DS 

106 

6855 


H 


DlJpCtpXO3PDO 

DESTINE 


THE  HEBREW  PEOPLE. 


r- 

J  BOSTON: 

K*  C^ "BY>  NICHOLS,  AND   COMPANY. 


NEW  YOKK: 

ARLES  S.  FRANCIS  AND  COMPANY. 


CO 
CO 

o 


>-X 

H 

w 

a 

M 
H 


GKIPTP  ©IP 
Prof.   G.    R.   Noyes 


3  5 1  Lu  n .  JE.  ft  'Off i  Gi  'een  wich    \  3  K 


PALESTIK 


A   B 


IDUMEA°*EDOM 


H2|  LonJS.From  Washington      |H3 


PLACES    REFERRED    TO 


ON   THE 


MAP     OF     PALESTINE 


TRIBES, 

DESIGNATED    BY   THEIR   INITIAL   LETTERS. 


A.  Asher. 
Z.  Zebulon. 
G.  Gad. 
D.  Dan. 


N.  Naphtali. 
I.  Issachar. 
B.  Benjamin. 
S.  Simeon. 


M.  M.  Manasseh. 
E.        Ephraim. 
R.        Reuben. 
J.        Judah. 


CITIES    AND    TOWNS. 


1.  Damascus. 

2.  Sidon. 

3.  Zarephath,  or  Sarepta. 

4.  Tyre. 

5.  Dan,  or  Csesarea  Philippi. 

6.  Maachah. 

7.  Geshur. 

8.  Ashtaroth. 

9.  Jair. 

10.  Chorazin. 

11.  Capernaum. 


12.  Bethsaida. 

13.  Tiberias. 

14.  Dalmanutha. 

15.  Gadara. 

16.  Jabesh  Gilead. 

17.  Magdala. 

18.  Accho,  PtolemaiSjOrAcre. 

19.  Cana. 

20.  Bethulia. 

21.  Nazareth. 

22.  Nain. 


23.  Megiddo. 

24.  Jezreel. 

25.  Scythopolis. 

26.  Pella. 

27.  Gergesa. 

28.  Rabbath  Ammon. 

29.  Ramoth  Gilead. 

30.  Enon. 

31.  Samaria. 

32.  Csesarea  of  Palestine. 

33.  Gilgal  of  Nations. 

34.  Antipatris. 

35.  Shechem,  or  Sychar. 

36.  Tirzah. 

37.  Jazer. 
33.  Heshbon. 

39.  Bethabara. 

40.  Machaerus. 

41.  Rabbath  Moab. 

42.  Shiloh. 

43.  Gilgal. 

44.  Jericho. 

45.  Bethel. 

46.  Ai. 

47.  Emmaus. 


48.  Gibeon. 

49.  Bethphage. 

50.  JERUSALEM. 

51.  Bethany. 

52.  Bethlehem. 

53.  Tekoah. 

54.  Joppa. 

55.  Lydda. 

56.  Ekron. 

57.  Arimathea. 

58.  Ashdod,  or  Azotus. 

59.  Gath. 

60.  Askelon. 

61.  Ziklag. 

62.  Gaza. 

63.  Gedor. 

64.  Gerar. 

65.  Hebron. 

66.  Debir,  or  Kirjath  Jepher 

67.  Hormah. 

68.  Beersheba. 

69.  Engedi. 

70.  Kadesh  Barnea. 

71.  Zoar. 


PALESTINE 


JLtTD 


THE    HEBREW    PEOPLE 


SIXTH    THOUSAND. 


BOSTON: 
CROSBY,  NICHOLS,  AND   COMPANY. 

NEW  YORK: 

CHARLES  S.  FRANCIS  AND  COMPANY. 

1853. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  by 

WILLIAM  CROSBY, 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts 


< 


GENERAL  DIRECTIONS. 


IN  this  course  of  Christian  instruction,  there  are 
eight  text-books,  bearing  the  following  titles  :  —  Ear- 
ly Religious  Lessons ;  Palestine  and  the  Hebrew 
People  ;  Lessons  on  the  Old  Testament ;  Life  of 
Christ ;  Books  and  Characters  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment ;  Religious  Duties  and  Christian  Morals  ;  Doc- 
trines of  Scripture  ;  Scenes  from  Christian  History. 

The  first  of  these  is  designed  to  be  used  —  though 
not  to  the  entire  exclusion  of  other  text- books  for 
that  period  —  by  all  pupils  under  ten  years  of  age. 
As  children  enter  the  Sunday  School  at  different 
ages,  it  seems  necessary  to  leave  them,  up  to  a  cer- 
tain period,  without  a  very  rigidly  determined  order 
of  instruction,  and  more  than  afterwards  under  the 
direction  of  the  individual  preferences  and  judg- 
ments of  their  teachers,  in  regard  to  their  methods 
of  study.  The  first  manual,  consisting  of  selected 
passages  of  Scripture  and  simple  illustrative  verses, 


M25003G 


IV 

is  offered  to  these  teachers  as  an  aid  to  their  work. 
The  object  here  is  not  so  much  connection  between 
the  parts,  as  to  fasten  in  the  child's  mind  certain 
sacred  words  and  truths,  fraught  with  hallowed  asso- 
ciations, which  may  prove  a  treasury  of  comfort  and 
suggest  themes  of  devout  meditation  through  the 
whole  of  life.  Each  exercise  is  to  be  thoroughly 
fixed  in  the  pupiVs  memory.  It  may  then  be  ex- 
plained and  illustrated,  according  to  the  teacher's 
pleasure  or  opportunity. 

At  the  beginning  of  each  school  year,  all  the  pu- 
pils within  the  school,  that  have  arrived  at  the  age  of 
ten  within  the  year  preceding,  are  to  be  arranged 
in  classes  of  convenient  size,  and  to  be  occupied 
one  school  year  —  not  more  nor  less  —  with  Manual 
No.  2,  —  "  Palestine  and  the  Hebrew  People." 

All  pupils  that  have  become  eleven  years  old 
within  the  year  preceding,  are  to  study  for  one  year 
Manual  No.  3.  No.  4  is  for  scholars  between  the 
ages  of  twelve  and  thirteen.  No.  5  is  for  those 
between  thirteen  and  fourteen.  No.  6  is  for  those 
between  fourteen  and  fifteen.  No.  7  is  for  those 
between  fifteen  and  sixteen.  No.  8  is  for  those  be- 
tween sixteen  and  seventeen. 

The  order  of  succession  in  the  subjects  of  study 
will  be  observed,  and  the  obvious  reasons  that  pre- 
scribe it.  The  success  <5f  the  plan,  in  any  given 


school,  will  probably  depend  much  on  a  strict  adher- 
ence to  this  system. 

Most  of  the  text-books  contain  only  about  thirty 
lessons  each.  Room  is  thus  provided  for  the  vaca- 
tion that  is  introduced  into  some  Sunday  Schools, 
for  unavoidable  inter»uptions  within  the  year,  and 
for  a  review  of  the  book. 

The  lessons  are  of  such  length  that  they  may  be 
fully  recited  in  about  half  an  hour  ;  and,  to  do  them 
justice,  not  less  than  that  amount  of  time  should  be 
left  free  from  all  other  occupation  in  every  Sunday 
School  exercise. 

The  design  is  that  each  subject,  in  the  order,  shall 
be  thus  thoroughly  mastered  and  understood  by  the 
class  ;  that,  at  the  close  of  the  year,  they  may  be  as 
well  fitted  for  examination  in  it,  as  the  classes  of  our 
common  schools  are  in  their  several  branches  of 
study.  It  is  earnestly  recommended  to  parents, 
teachers,  and  pastors,  that  they  require  of  the  young 
committed  to  their  charge,  and  pursuing  this  course, 
so  much  time  and  application  as  will  accomplish 
this  end.  The  result,  to  say  nothing  of  spiritual 
impressions,  would  be  the  possession  of  a  body  of 
Christian  information  of  the  utmost  value,  and  such 
as  no  youth  can  remain  ignorant  of,  in  a  commu- 
nity like  ours,  without  cause  for  deep  reproach. 

The  names  of  the  writers,  arranged  alphabetical- 


ly,  and  not  according  to  the  order  of  the  books  in 
the  course,  are  as  follows :  — 

Rev.  GEO.  W.  BRIGGS, 

"      S.  G.  BULFINCH, 

"      RUFUS  ELLIS, 

"      EDWARD  E.*HALE, 

"     F.  D.  HUNTINGTON, 

"      JOHN  H.  MORISON, 

"      EPHRAIM  PEABODY. 


NOTE    TO    TEACHERS. 


THE  author  of  this  manual  particularly 
requests  those  teachers  who  may  employ  it 
to  prepare  themselves  before  meeting  their 
classes,  by  looking  out  the  passages  in  Scrip- 
ture to  which  reference  is  made.  These  will 
furnish  them  with  themes  of  conversation, 
and  give  an  interest  to  the  recitation  far  be- 
yond the  mere  asking  and  answering  of  ques- 
tions. The  pupils  should  be  encouraged  to 
prepare  themselves  in  a  similar  manner,  so 
far  as  may  be  reasonably  expected,  which 
must  depend  in  each  case  upon  the  age,  in- 
telligence, and  leisure  of  the  individual. 


CONTENTS. 


LESSON  PAOB 

I.  SITUATION,  BOUNDARIES,  NAMES        .        .        .11 

II.  OTHER  COUNTRIES  MENTIONED  IN  THE  BIBLE     13 

III.  COUNTRIES     MENTIONED    IN    THE    BIBLE,    CON- 
TINUED      16 

IV.  THE   JORDAN   AND    ITS   LAKES             .            .           .            19 

V.      RIVERS   AND    MOUNTAINS 21 

VI.  PLAINS,    VALLEYS,   AND    DESERTS       ...            24 

VII.      INOFFENSIVE    ANIMALS 26 

VIII.  WILD   BEASTS   AND   AQUATIC   ANIMALS    .           .           29 

IX.  BIRDS,    REPTILES,    INSECTS               .            .            .           .32 

X.  FRUIT    AND    OTHER   BEARING    TREES          .            .           35 

XI.  FOREST    TREES    AND    SHRUBS          .            .            .           .38 

XII.  FIRST    INHABITANTS    OF   PALESTINE           .            .41 

XIII.  DIVISION  OF  THE  COUNTRY   AMONG   THE    TRIBES  43 

XIV.  LATER   POLITICAL   DIVISIONS               ...           46 

XV.      JERUSALEM 48 

XVI.      OTHER   CITIES 51 

XVII.  THE    TABERNACLE   AND    THE    TEMPLE             .            .54 

XVIII.  TEMPLE   SERVICES,   PRIESTS,  AND    LEVITES       .            57 

XIX.  FESTIVALS,    AND    DAY    OF   EXPIATION           .            .      60 

XX.  SYNAGOGUES,  THE    SABBATH,  SABBATICAL  YEAR 

AND    YEAR    OF   JUBILEE               .            .            .  .64 

XXI.      THE    LEVITICAL    LAW 67 


XXII.      GOVERNMENT 71 

XXIII.      GOVERNMENT    CONTINUED,   WAR                .           .  75 

XXIV.      DWELLINGS 77 

XXV.      DRESS 81 

XXVI.      HUSBANDRY,   AND   PREPARATION   OF   FOOD        .  84 
XXVII.      TRAVELLING,   SALUTATIONS,    BANQUETS,    DAN- 
CING           87 

XXVIII.      MUSIC,   MARRIAGES,   FUNERALS       ...  90 
XXIX.      PROPHETS,   SECTS,   LITERATURE,   ARTS        .           .  93 
XXX.      LATER    HISTOBY    AND    CONDITION    OF    PALES- 
TINE       .                            97 


PALESTINE  AND  THE  HEBREW  PEOPLE. 


LESSON    I. 

SITUATION,    BOUNDARIES,    NAMES. 

Q.  IN  what  country  did  most  of  the  events  recorded 

in  the  Bible  take  place  ? 
A.  In  Palestine  or  the  Holy  Land. 
Q.  Where  is  Palestine  ? 
A.  In  the  western  part  of  Asia. 
Q.  In  what  zone  is  it  ? 
A.  The  North  Temperate. 
Q.  Between  what  degrees  of  latitude  ? 
A.  The  thirty-first  and  thirty-third  of  north  latitude. 
Q.  Which  of  the  American  States  are  in  about  the 

same  latitude  ? 

A.  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  and  Louisiana. 
Q.  Between  what  degrees  of  longitude  is  Palestine  ? 
A.  The    thirty-fourth    and    thirty-sixth    east    from 

Greenwich. 

Q.  How  far  is  Palestine  from  this  country  ? 
A.  About  six  thousand  miles. 


12 

Q.  How  is  Palestine  bounded  on  the  north  ? 

A.  By  Syria.     Num.  xxxiv.  7-9. 

Q.  How  on  the  east  ? 

A.  By  Syria  and  the  Dead  Sea.  Num.  xxxiv, 
10-12. 

Q.  How  on  the  south? 

A.  By  Edom  or  Idumea,  which  is  often  considered 
a  part  of  Arabia.  Num.  xxxiv.  3,  4. 

Q.  How  on  the  west  ? 

A.  By  the  Mediterranean  Sea.     Num.  xxxiv.  6. 

Q.  What  has  been  remarked  of  the  position  of  Pal- 
estine ? 

A.  That  it  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  purpose  of 
communicating  a  religious'  influence  to  the  world. 

Q.  Why  is  it  so  ? 

A.  Its  situation  is  central,  with  regard  to  Europe, 
Asia,  and  Africa,  and  the  communication  is  easy 
from  it  in  various  directions,  by  means  of  the 
Mediterranean  and  Red  Seas. . 

Q.  Why  is  this  country  called  Palestine  ? 

A.  From  the  Philistines,  a  tribe  of  its  ancient  inhab- 
itants. Exod.  xv.  14;  Isa.  xiv.  29,  31. 

Q.  Why  is  it  called  the  Holy  Land  ? 

A.  From  the  wonderful  acts  of  God  performed  in  it. 
Zech.  ii.  12. 

Q.   Why  is  it  called  Canaan  ? 

A.  Because  the  descendants  of  Canaan  inhabited  it 
in  ancient  times.  Gen.  x.  15  -  19. 

Q.  Why  is  it  called  the  Land  of  Israel  ? 


13 

A.  From  Israel,  a  name  which  God  gave  to  Jacob. 

Gen.  xxxii.  28. 

Q.  Why  is  it  called  Judaea,  or  Judea  ? 
A.  From  the  Jews  (in  Latin  Judcei),  who  derived 

their  name  from  Judah,  the  son  of  Jacob. 
Q.  Is  the  name  Judea  properly  applied  to  the  whole 

country,  or  to  a  portion  of  it  ? 
A.  To  the  southern  portion,  near  Jerusalem.     Matt. 

ii.  22  ;  John  xi.  7. 

Q.  Why  is  it  called  the  Land  of  Promise  ? 
A.  Because  God   promised  it  to  Abraham  and  his 

descendants.     Gen.  xvii.  8 ;  Heb.  xi.  9. 


LESSON    II. 

OTHER   COUNTRIES   MENTIONED    IN    THE    BIBLE. 

Q.  What  countries  beside  Palestine  are  mentioned 

in  the  Bible  ? 
A.  Egypt,  Arabia,  Syria,  Chaldea,  Persia,  Greece, 

Italy,  and  others. 

Q.  In  what  direction  was  Egypt  from  Palestine  ? 
A.  Southwest. 

Q.  What  great  river  is  there  in  Egypt. 
A.  The  Nile.     Gen.  xli.  1. 
Q.  Where  was  the  land  of  Goshen  ? 
A.  Probably  near  the  eastern  outlet  of  the   Nile. 

Gen.  xlv.  10. 


14 

Q.  What  sea  between  Egypt  and  Arabia  ? 

A.  The  Red  Sea.     Exod.  xiv.  2 ;  xv.  4. 

Q.  What  is  the  character  of  that  part  of  Arabia 
bordering  upon  Egypt  and  Palestine,  and  includ- 
ing Idumea  or  Edom  ? 

A.  Desert,  rocky,  and  mountainous. 

Q.  What  celebrated  mountains  are  there  ? 

A.  Mount  Horeb.  Exod.  iii.  1  ;  xvii.  6  ;  1  Kings 
xix.  8.  Sinai,  Exod.  xix.  2,  18 ;  xx.  1  - 18. 
'Hor,  Num.  xx.  26-28.  Seir,  Gen.  xxxii.  3; 
xxxvi.  8.  Horeb  is  of  the  same  group  or  range 
of  mountains  with  Sinai,  and  Hor  with  Seir. 

Q.  What  remarkable  ruins  are  found  near  Mount 
Hor? 

A.  Those  of  Petra,  supposed  to  be  the  ancient  Sela. 
Both  names  signify  a  rock.  2  Kings  xiv.  7 ;  Isa. 
xvi.  1. 

Q.  Describe  these  ruins. 

A.  They  occupy  a  valley  of  large  extent,  and  con- 
-fiist  of  public  buildings,  dwellings,  and  other  struc- 
tures, cut  out  of  the  solid  rock.  Ps.  cviii.  10. 

Q.  Is  the  name  Hor  given  to  any  other  mountain. 

A.  It  is  applied  in  one  passage  to  Mount  Lebanon. 
Num.  xxxiv.  7. 

Q.  What  is  the  great  deficiency  of  Arabia  and  Idu- 
mea, and  the  cause  of  the  barrenness  of  those  re- 
gions:? 

A.  The  want  of  water.  Wherever  this  is  found, 
there  is  a  green  and  fertile  spot,  though  in  the 
midst  of  the  desert.  Exod.  xv.  27. 


15 

Q.  Where  is  Syria? 

A.  North  and  east  of  Palestine^ 

Q.  What  was  anciently  its  principal  city  ? 

A.  Damascus.     Isa.  vii.  8;  Acts  ix.  1,  8. 

Q.  What  was  another  chief  city  of  Syria  ? 

A.  Antioch.     Acts  xi.  26. 

Q.  Where  is  Mesopotamia,  and  what  is  the  mean 
ing  of  the  name  ? 

A.  It  means  "  between  the  rivers,"  and  is  the 
country  between  the  Tigris  and  Euphrates.  Gen. 
xxiv.  10  ;  Deut.  xxiii.  4 ;  Judg.  iii.  8. 

Q.  Where  was  Shinar,  Babylonia,  or  Chaldea  ? 

A.  These  names  are  given  to  the  country  around 
Babylon,  which  was  on  the  Euphrates,  about  six 
hundred  miles  east  of  Jerusalem. 

Q.  For  what  was  Babylon  remarkable  ? 

A.  For  the  tower  of  Babel,  for  the  power  of  its 
kings,  for  the  strength  of  its  walls,  and  for  its  pal- 
aces and  hanging  gardens.  Gen.  xi.  9  ;  Dan.  iv. 
30 ;  Isa.  xiii.  19. 

Q.  Where  was  Assyria  ? 

A.  It  was  the  country  around  Nineveh,  which  was 
on  the  Tigris,  northeast  of  Jerusalem,  and  nearly 
north  of  Babylon. 

Q.  For  what  was  Nineveh  remarkable  ? 

A.  For  its  immense  size,  its  wealth  and  magnifi- 
cence. Jonah  iii.  3;  iv.  11. 


16 
LESSON    III. 

COUNTRIES    MENTIONED    IN    THE    BIBLE,    CONTINUED. 

Q.  Where  is  Persia,  or  Elam  ? 

A.  North  and  east  of  the  Persian  Gulf,  east  of  Pal- 
estine.  Ezra  i.  1,  2. 

Q.  What  was  its  capital  ? 

A.  Shushan  or  Susa,  on  the  river  Ulai.  Dan.  viii.  2  ; 
Neh.  i.  1  ;  Esth.  i.  2. 

Q.  Where  was  Media  ? 

A.  North  of  Persia,  with  which  it  early  became  unit- 
ed. Dan.  v.  31  ;  vi.  8,  28. 

Q.  Were  the  Assyrian,  Chaldean,  and  Persian  em- 
pires entirely  distinct  ? 

A.  No ;  many  of  the  same  countries  belonged  to 
each  of  them  in  succession. 

Q.  Where  was  Phoenicia  ? 

A.  Northwest  of  Palestine.     Acts  xi.  19. 

Q.  What  were  its  two  chief  cities  ? 

A.  Tyre  and  Sidon.  Josh.  xix.  28,  29 ;  1  Kings 
v.  1 ;  Gen.  x.  19.  • 

Q.  For  what  was  Phoenicia  famous  ? 

A.  For  its  commerce,  and  wealth  acquired  thereby. 
Ezek.  xxvii. 

Q.  What  region  is  meant  by  Tarshish  ? 

A.  Tartessus  in  Spain  ;  but  the  name  is  applied  also 
to  distant  regions  generally.  Jonah  i.  3  ;  2  Chron. 
ix.  21 ;  Ps.  xlviii.  7. 


17 

Q.  What  is  meant  by  Ophir  ? 

A.  Some  of  the  countries  on  the  Indian  Ocean ;  but 

it  is  uncertain  which.     1  Kings  ix.  28  ;  Job  xxviii. 

16. 

COUNTRIES    MENTIONED    IN    THE    NEW   TESTAMENT. 

Q.  Where  is  Asia  Minor,  or  Lesser  Asia  ? 

A.  Northwest  of  Palestine,  between  the  Mediterra- 
nean and  the  Black  Sea. 

Q.  Is  the  name  Asia  applied  in  the  Bible  to  a  still 
smaller  country  ? 

A.  It  is,  —  to  the  province  of  which  Ephesus  was 
the  capital.  Acts  xix.  10. 

Q.  Where  was  Ephesus  ? 

A.  On  the  western  coast  of  Asia  Minor,  near  the 
island  of  Samos.  Acts  xix.  1 ;  Eph.  i.  1. 

Q.  Mention  the  names  of  the  seven  cities  of  this 
province  to  which  the  Revelation  of  St.  John  was 
addressed. 

A.  Ephesus,  Smyrna,  Pergamos,  Thyatira,  Sardis, 
Philadelphia,  Laodicea.  Rev.  i.  11. 

Q.  Where  is  the  island  of  Cyprus,  and  what  was  its 
capital  ? 

A.  South  of  Asia  Minor.  Its  capital  was  Paphos. 
Acts  xiii.  6. 

Q.  Mention  the  places  in  Asia  Minor,  besides  those 
already  named,  which  are  distinguished  in  con- 
nection with  the  history  of  St.  Paul. 

NO.  II.  2 


18 

A.  Tarsus,  Derbe,  Lystra,  Iconium,  Antioeh  in  Pi- 
sidia,  and  the  province  of  Galatia.     Acts  xxi.  39 ; 
xiii.  14,  51 ;  xiv.  6  ;  Gal.  i.  2. 
Q.  Where  is  Greece  ? 
A.  West  of  Asia  Minor,  from  which  it  is  separated 

by  the  JEgean  Sea.     Dan.  xi.  2. 
Q.  Where  is  Macedonia  ? 
A.  North  of  Greece,  of  which  it  is  often  considered 

as  forming  a  part.     Acts  xvi.  9. 
Q.  Mention  the  names  of  the  places  in  Macedonia 
and  Greece,  which  are  chiefly  spoken  of  in  the 
Acts. 
A.  Philippi,  Thessalonica,  Berea,  Athens,  Corinth. 

Acts  xvi.  12 ;  xvii.  1,  10,  15  ;  xviii.  1. 
Q.  Where  is  Italy  ? 

A.  West  of  Greece,  from  which  it  is  separated  by 
a   portion   of  the   Mediterranean  Sea,   anciently 
called  Adria.     Acts  xxvii.  1,  27. 
Q.  What  small  island  southwest  of  this  sea  ? 
A.  Melita,  now  called  Malta.     Acts  xxviii.  1. 
Q.  What  great  city  in  Italy,  where  the  Emperor  re- 
sided, to  whom  Palestine  and  other  countries  were 
subject  in  the  time  of  our  Saviour  ? 
A.  Rome.    Luke  ii.  1 ;  Matt.  xxii.  21 ;  Acts  xxv.  12 ; 
xxviii.  16. 


19 

LESSON  IV. 

•:.  \ 

THE  JORDAN  AND  ITS  LAKES. 

Q.  What  is  the  principal  river  of  Palestine  ? 

A.  The  Jordan.     Gen.  xiii.  11. 

Q.  Where  does  it  rise,  'and  what  course  does  it  pur- 
sue ? 

A.  It  rises  in  the  northern  extremity  of  Palestine,  and 
pursues  a  southerly  course  for  about  a  hundred 
and  forty  miles,  till  it  enters  the  Dead  Sea. 

Q.  What  is  the  first  lake  which  it  forms  ? 

A.  Lake  Houle,  called  in  Scripture  the  waters  of 
Merom.  Josh.  xi.  5.  This  lake  is  mostly  dry  in 
summer. 

Q.  What  lake  does  it  enter  about  ten  miles  below 
this  ? 

A.  The  Lake  of  Gennesaret,  Sea  of  Tiberias,  or  Sea 
of  Galilee ;  more  anciently  called  the  Sea  of  Chin- 
nereth.  Num.  xxxiv.  11 ;  Luke  v.  1  ;  John  vi.  1. 

Q.  For  what  is  this  lake  most  remarkable  ? 

A.  For  having  been  the  scene  of  many  of  our  Sav- 
iour's miracles  and  instructions.  Matt.  xiii.  1. 

Q.  Describe  the  Lake  of  Gennesaret. 

A.  It  is  surrounded  on  all  sides,  except  where  the 
Jordan  enters  and  leaves  it,  with  lofty  and  precip- 
itous hills,  but  without  woods.  Its  appearance 
combines  much  of  grandeur  and  beauty  with 
something  of  mourrifulness. 


20 

Q.  How  large  is  this  lake  ? 

A.  About  sixteen  miles  long,  and  six  broad. 

Q.  What  is  the  appearance  of  the  river  after  leaving 
the  Lake  of  Gennesaret  ? 

A.  It  is  at  first  not  more  than  about  fourteen  yards 
wide,  and  rushes  with  considerable  force  ;  but  is 
in  other  parts  much  wider.  It  is  subject  to  great 
changes,  from  being  swollen  by  rains,  and  has  suc- 
cessive terraces  or  banks,  which  mark  its  extent 
at  different  seasons.  Josh.  iii.  15. 

Q.  In  what  lake  or  sea  does  the  Jordan  terminate  ? 

A.  In  the  Dead  or  Salt  Sea,  called  also  the  Lake 
Asphaltites,  the  Sea  of  the  Plain,  and  the  East  Sea. 
Deut.  iii.  17  ;  Ezek.  xlvii.  18. 

Q.  What  is  the  size  of  this  lake  ? 

A.  About  sixty  miles  long  by  fifteen  broad. 

Q.  What  are  its  peculiarities  ? 

A.  The  waters  are  bitter,  and  so  dense  that  they 
bear  up  substances  thrown  in,  much  more  than  is 
usual.  The  lake  contains  few,  if  any,  fish.  These 
effects  are  produced  by  the  water  being  strongly 
impregnated  with  salt.  Masses  of  black  bitumen 
are  said  to  be  occasionally  thrown  up  to  the  surface. 

Q.  What  formerly  occupied  part  of  the  space  now 
filled  by  this  lake  ? 

A.  A  fertile  plain,  on  which  stood  Sodom,  Gomor- 
rah, arid  other  cities.  Gen.  xiii.  10. 

Q.  What  became  of  those  cities  ? 

A.  They  were  destroyed  in  a  wonderful  manner,  on 


21 

account  of  the  wickedness  of  their  inhabitants. 

Gen.  xix.  24. 

Q.  Has  the  Dead  Sea  any  outlet  ? 
A.  It  has  not. 
Q.  What  extends  from  its  southern  point  to  the  Red 

Sea? 
A.  A  deep  ravine,  anciently  called  the  Valley  of 

Salt,  from  the  great  quantities    of  that   mineral 

which  are  found  there. 
Q.  For  what  is  this  valley  remarkable  ? 
A.  As  the  scene  of  several  battles.    2  Sam.  viii.  13 ; 

2  Kings  xiv.  7. 


LESSON    V. 

RIVERS   AND    MOUNTAINS. 

Q.  What  is  the  character  of  the  rivers  in  Palestine, 
besides  the  Jordan  ? 

A.  They  are  mountain  torrents,  flowing  rapidly  in 
the  rainy  season,  but  at  other  times  nearly  dry. 
Joel  i.  20;  Job  vi.  15-20. 

Q.  Mention  the  principal  of  them. 

A.  The  Kishon,  the  Jabbok,  the  Sorek,  the  Arnon, 
the  Kidron,  and  the  River  of  Egypt. 

Q.  Where  was  the  Kishon  ? 

A.  In  the  northwestern  part,  emptying  into  the  Med- 
iterranean. Judg.  v.  21. 


22 

Q.  Where  was  the  Jabbok  ? 

A.  In  the  eastern  part,  entering  the  Jordan  a  little 
below  the  Lake  of  Gennesaret.  Deut.  iii.  16. 

Q.  Where  is  the  Arnon  ? 

A.  South  of  the  Jabbok,  emptying  into  the  Dead  Sea. 
Num.  xxii.  36. 

Q.  Where  is  the  Sorek  ? 

A.  In  the  southwestern  part,  emptying  into  the  Med- 
iterranean. Judg.  xvi.  4. 

Q.  Where  is  the  Kidron,  or  Cedron  ? 

A.  In  the  southeastern  part,  emptying  into  the  Dead 
Sea.  It  runs  by  Jerusalem.  2  Sam.  xv.  23 ; 
John  xviii.  1. 

Q.  Where  is  the  Sihor,  or  River  of  Egypt  ? 

A.  These  names  are  sometimes  given  to  the  Nile, 
and  sometimes  to  a  small  stream  which  forms  the 
southwestern  limit  of  Palestine.  Gen.  xv.  18; 
Josh.  xiii.  3  ;  Isa.  xxiii.  3. 

Q.  What  are  the  mountains  of  Palestine  ? 

A.  Lebanon,  Hermon,  Carmel,  Tabor,  Gilboa,  Gil- 
ead,  Abarim,  Mountains  of  Israel,  Mountains  of 
Judah. 

Q.  Where  is  Lebanon  ? 

A.  On  the  northern  boundary  of  Palestine.  It  con- 
sists of  two  ranges,  sometimes  called  Libanus  and 
Antilibanus,  between  which  is  the  valley  called 
Coele-Syria,  or  Hollow  Syria.  The  summit  of 
Lebanon  is  always  covered  with  snow.  Deut.  iii. 
25 ;  Jer.  xviii.  14. 


23 

Q.  Where  is  Mount  Hermon  ? 

A.  It   stretches  eastwardly   from  Antilibanus.     Pa. 

cxxxiii.  3. 

Q.  Where  is  Mount  Carmel  ? 

A.  It  is  a  promontory,  stretching  into  the  Mediterra- 
nean Sea.     1  Kings  xviii.  20. 
Q.  Where  is  Mount  Tabor  ? 
A.  It  is  a  mountain  of  a  conical  form,  southwest  of 

the  Lake  of  Gennesaret.     Judg.  iv.  6. 
Q.  Where  is  Mount  Gilboa  ? 
A.  Southeast  of  Tabor.     2  Sam.  i.  21. 
Q.  Where  are  the  Mountains  of  Gilead  ? 
A.  In  the  northeast.     Gen.  xxxi.  21. 
Q.  Where   are   the   Mountains  of  Abarim,  and  by 

what  other  names  are  they  called  ? 
A.  They   are   northeast   of  the   Dead    Sea.      The 

names   Nebo   and    Pisgah  are  applied  to  them. 

Num.  xxxiii.  47  ;  Deut.  xxxiv.  1. 
Q.  Where  are  the  Mountains  of  Israel,  or  Ephraim? 
A.  About  the  centre  of  the  country.     Josh.  xi.  16  ; 

Judg.  ii.  9. 

Q.  Where  are  the  Mountains  of  Judah  ? 
A.  In  the  southern  part.    2  Chron.  xxi.  1 1 ;  Luke  i.  39. 
Q.  Where  are  Mounts  Gerizim  and  Ebal  ? 
A.  They  are  two  of  the  Mountains  of  Israel,  standing 

opposite  each  other.     Deut.  xxvii.  11 ;  John  iv.  20. 
Q.  Where  is  the  Mount  of  Olives,  or  Olivet,  called 

also  the  Mount  of  Corruption  ? 
A.  Opposite  Jerusalem  on  the  east.    2  Sam.  xv.  30 ; 

2  Kings  xxiii.  13  ;  Acts  i.  12. 


24 
LESSON  VI. 

PLAINS,  VALLEYS,  AND  DESERTS. 

Q.  What  great  plain  or  valley  extends  through  the 
middle  of  the  country,  from  the  Mediterranean  to 
the  Jordan. 

A.  The  plain  of  Jezreel  or  Megiddo,  called  in  mod- 
ern times  the  plain  of  Esdraelon.  Judg.  vi.  33. 

Q.  For  what  is  this  remarkable  ? 

A.  For  the  number  of  battles  of  which  it  has  been 
the  scene.  Judg.  v.  19  ;  vi.  33  ;  2  Kings  xxiii.  29. 

Q.  Where  is  the  plain  of  Sharon  ? 

A.  Along  the  Mediterranean,  west  of  the  Moun- 
tains of  Israel.  Song  of  Sol.  ii.  1  ;  Isa.  xxxv.  2. 

Q.  Where  are  the  plains  of  Moab  ? 

A.  On  the  northeast  shore  of  the  Dead  Sea  and  the 
river  Arnon.  Num.  xxii.  1. 

Q.  Where  are  the  plains  of  Hauran,  Haouran,  or 

Auranitis  ? 

'A.  On  the  northeastern  border  of  the  Holy  Land. 
Ezek.  xlvii.  18. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  valley  of  the  Jordan  and  its 
lakes  ? 

A.  It  is  much  lower,  and  therefore  much  warm- 
er, than  the  surrounding  country ;  being  several 
hundred  feet  below  the  level  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean. 

Q.  Where  is  the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat  ? 


25 

A.  East   of    Jerusalem,   and    between    it   and    the 

Mount  of  Olives.     The  brook  Kidron  runs  through 

it.     Joel  iii.  2,  12. 

Q.  What  valley  lies  south  of  Jerusalem  ? 
A.  The  valley  of  Hihnom,  or  of  the  son  of  Hin- 

nom,  or  Gehenna,  called  also  Tophet.     Jer.  xix.  2. 
Q.  What  idolatrous  worship  was  formerly  practised 

in  this  valley  ? 
A.  That  of  Moloch  or  Molech,  in  honor  of  whom 

children  were  made  to  pass  through  the  fire.     Jer. 

vii.  31 ;  2  Kings  xxiii.  10. 

Q.  To  what  use  was  the  valley  afterwards  applied  ? 
A.  To   receive   the    filth    of  the  city,  to  consume 

which  fires  were  kept  constantly  burning. 
Q.  Becoming  thus  a  loathsome  place,  of  what  was 

it  considered  a  suitable  emblem  ? 
A.  Of  the  place  of  future  punishment,  which  was 

therefore  commonly  spoken  of  among  the  Jews 

by  the  names  Gehenna  and  Tophet.     Matt.  V;  22, 

29,  in  the  Greek. 

Q.  Where  is  the  vale  of  Elah,  or  of  the  Terebinth- 
trees  ? 
A.  Three    miles   northwest   from   Bethlehem. 

Sam.  xvii.  2. 

Q.  Where  is  the  valley  of  Rephaim  ? 
A.  It  extends  between  Jerusalem   and    Bethlehem. 

2  Sam.  v.  18,  22. 

Q.  Where  is  the  plain  or  grove  of  Mam  re  ? 
A.  Near  Hebron.     Gen.  xiii.  18 ;  xxiii.  19. 

NO.    II.  3 


26 

Q.  Where  is  the  vale  of  Sorek  ? 

A.  In  the  southeast  portion  of  tne  country.     Judg. 

xvi.  4. 

Q.  Where  is  the  desert  or  wilderness  of  Judea  ? 
A.  Along  the  western  side  of  the  Dead  Sea.     Matt. 

iii.  1. 
Q.  Where  are  the  deserts  of  Kadesh,  or  Zin,  and 

Maon  ? 
A.  In  the  southern  border  of  the  country.     Ps.  xxix. 

8 ;  Num.  xx.  1  ;  1  Sam.  xxiii.  24. 
Q.  Where  are  the  deserts  of  Paran,  Shur,  and  Sin  ? 
A.  They  are  different  portions  of  the  vast  desert 

country  of  Arabia.     Gen.  xxi.  21 ;  xvi.  7  ;  Exod. 

xvi.  1. 
Q.  Was  the  name  of  desert  or  wilderness  confined 

to  places  entirely  barren  ? 

A.  It  was  not,  but  was  given  also  to  places  natural- 
ly fertile,  but  uncultivated,  or  thinly  inhabited. 


LESSON    VII. 

INOFFENSIVE    ANIMALS. 

Q.  What  domesticated  animals,  familiar  to  us,  were 

known  in  the  Holy  Land  ? 
A.  The  horse,   the   ass,   the   cow,  the   sheep,   the 

goat,  the  dog,  and  the  swine. 
Q.  Were  horses  in  common  use  ? 


27 

A.  They  were  not,  and  were  more  admired  in  con- 
sequence of  their  rarity.  Job.  xxxix.  19. 

Q.   What  animal  was  chiefly  used  for  riding  ? 

A.  The  ass,  which  in  Palestine  is  a  larger  and 
finer  animal  than  in  England  or  this  country. 
Gen.  xxii.  3 ;  Matt.  xxi.  5. 

Q.  What  other  animal  was  used  for  riding  ? 

A.  The  mule,  which  partakes  the  nature  of  the 
horse  and  the  ass.  2  Sam.  xviii.  9. 

Q.  Of  what  was  the  bull  regarded  as  an  emblem  ? 

A.  Of  strength,  and  therefore  of  the  Supreme  Be- 
ing. 

Q.  For  what  form  of  idolatry  does  this  account  ? 

A.  For  the  worship  among  the  Egyptians  of  a  bull, 
which  they  called  Apis,  and  for  the  "  golden 
calves  "  set  up  by  the  Israelites.  Exod.  xxxii.  4  ; 
1  Kings  xii.  28. 

Q.  What  interesting  passages  of  Scripture  are  con- 
nected with  the  keeping  of  sheep  ? 

A.  One  of  the  most  beautiful  of  David's  Psalms, 
and  our  Saviour's  parable  of  the  Good  Shepherd. 
Ps.  xxiii. ;  John  x. 

Q.  How  was  the  goat  regarded  ? 

A.  Some  Eastern  idolaters  worshipped  evil  spirits 
under  the  figure  of  goats.  Isa.  xiii.  21  (the  word 
translated  satyrs)  ;  Matt.  xxv.  33. 

Q.  How  was  the  dog  regarded  ? 

A.  With  contempt  and  aversion.  2  Kings  viii.  13 ; 
Matt.  xv.  27. 


28 

Q.  What  is  to  be  remarked  of  the  swine  ? 

A.  Its  flesh  was  forbidden  to  be  eaten.  Lev.  xi.  7 ; 
Isa.  Ixv.  4. 

Q.  What  large  beast  of  burden  was  common  in  the 
Holy  Land  ? 

A.  The  camel.     Gen.  xxiv.  64. 

Q.  For  what  regions  is  the  camel  adapted  ? 

A.  For  sandy  and  rocky  deserts,  such  as  abound 
in  Arabia.  Job  i.  3. 

Q.  How  is  it  adapted  to  such  regions  ? 

A.  By  the  construction  of  its  foot,  by  its  strength, 
its  docility,  and  its  great  power  of  enduring  fa- 
tigue, hunger,  and  thirst. 

Q.  What  has  the  camel  been  called  ? 

A.  The  ship  of  the  desert. 

Q.  What  is  the  dromedary  ? 

A.  The  species  of  camel  most  remarkable  for  swift- 
ness. Esth.  viii.  10. 

Q.  For  what  is  the  wild  ass  remarkable  ? 

A.  For  swiftness  and  beauty. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  noticed  in  the  ibex  or  rock  goat? 

A.  Its  long  horns  inclining  backwards,  and  the  ease 
with  which  it  leaps  from  rock  to  rock.  1  Sam. 
xxiv.  2. 

Q.  What  is  the  antelope  or  gazelle,  the  name  of 
which  is  rendered  by  the  words  "  roe "  and 
"  beauty  "  ? 

A.  An  animal  between  the  goat  and  the  deer;  a 
small  and  beautiful  stag.  2  Sam.  i.  19  ;  1  Chron. 
xii.  8. 


29 

Q.  What  is  the  cony  ? 

A.  The  English  cony  is  a  kind  of  rabbit ;  but  the 
animal  meant  by  that  name  in  the  Bible  is  the 
wabber,  a  small  creature  resembling  a  guinea-pig, 
and  found  among  the  rocks.  Ps.  civ.  18 ;  Prov. 
xxx.  26. 

Q.  What  animal  is  meant  by  the  mouse,  in  some 
passages  ? 

A*  Probably  the  jerboa,  an  animal  of  the  rat  kind, 
about  five  inches  long.  Lev.  xi.  29 ;  Isa.  Ixvi.  17. 


LESSON    VIII. 

WILD  BEASTS  AND  AQUATIC  ANIMALS. 

Q.  What  beasts  of  prey  were  found  in  the  Holy  Land  ? 

A.  The  lion,  leopard,  wolf,  hyena,  bear,  wild-boar, 
fox,  jackal. 

Q.  Are  there  many  references  to  the  lion  in  Scrip- 
ture ? 

A.  Very  many.  There  are  no  less  than  seven 
names  in  Hebrew  for  this  animal.  Gen.  xlix.  9  ; 
Ezek.  xix.  2,  3. 

Q.  In  what  part  of  the  country  especially  does  it 
appear  to  have  been  found  ? 

A.  Among  the  brushwood  on  the  banks  of  the  Jor- 
dan, from  which  it  was  driven  by  the  swelling  of 
the  river.  Jer.  xlix.  19. 


80 

Q.  In  what  parts  of  Palestine  is  the  leopard  found  ? 
A.  On  Mount  Tabor,  and  near  the  Sea  of  Galilee. 

Isa.  xi.  6 ;  Jer.  xiii.  23. 
Q.  What  animal   is  supposed  to  be  meant  by  the 

word     zeboim^  translated    "  a  speckled  bird,"  in 

Jer.  xii.  9  ? 

A.  The  hyena.     1  Sam.  xiii.  18. 
Q.  For  what  is  this  animal  remarkable  ? 
A.  For  its  fierceness,  and  its  preying  on  the  remains 

of  those  who  have  died  of  pestilence  or  from  other 

causes. 

Q.  What  animal  is  called  by  the  name  unicorn  ? 
A.  The  buffalo,  or  wild  bull.     Num.  xxiii.  22 ;  Job 

xxxix.  9. 

Q.  What  do  travellers  relate  of  the  wild-boar  ? 
A.  That  it  is  known  to  enter  the  vineyards  for  the 

sake  of  feasting  on  the  grapes.     Ps.  Ixxx.  13. 
Q.  What  description  of  bear  was  found  in  the  Holy 

Land  ? 

A.  The  brown  bear. 
Q.  By  what  expressive  name  was  this  animal  known 

to  the  Hebrews  ? 

A.  By  a  word  signifying  the  growler. 
Q.  When  is  this  animal  the  fiercest  ? 
A.  When  deprived  of  its  young;  to  which  it  shows 

strong  attachment.     Hos.  xiii.  8. 
Q.  What  is  to  be  mentioned  of  the  Syrian  fox  ? 
A.  Besides  the  cunning  for  which  the  fox  is  notori- 
ous,   it  has  the  peculiarity  of  burrowing  in  the 

ground.     Luke  xiii   32 ;  ix.  58 


31 

Q.  What  animal  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  fox 

referred  to  in  the  story  of  Samson? 
A.  The  jackal ;  two  hundred  of  which  are  some- 
times found  together.     Judg.  xv.  4. 
Q.  In  what  other  passages  of  Scripture  is  the  jackal 

supposed  to  he  meant  ? 
A.  In  some  places  where  the  word  dragon  is  used 

in  our  translation.    Isa~  xliii,  20  ;  Jer,  ix.  11 ;  xiv. 

6  ;  Mic.  i.  8. 
Q.  What  creature  is  meant  by  the  name  dragon,  or 

whale,  in  other  instances  ? 
A.  Probably  the  crocodile,      Ezek, '  xxix.    3  ;  Job 

vii.  12. 

Q.  By  what  other  name  is  the  crocodile  designated  ? 
A.  Leviathan,     Job  xli.  1 ;  Ps.  Ixxiv.  14. 
Q.  What  large  animal  is  supposed  to  be  meant  by 

the  name  behemoth? 

A.  The  hippopotamus,  or  river-horse.     Job  xL  15. 
Q.  In  wfyat  river  are  the  crocodile  and  hippopotamus 

found  ? 
A.  The  Nile. 
Q.  What  is  observed  of  the  fish  which  is  said  to 

have  swallowed  Jonah  ? 
A.  The  account  is  impossible,  without  a  miracle,  of 

any  fish  known.     Jonah  i,  17. 
Q.  What  was  the  animal  whose  name  is  rendered 

badger  ? 
A.  Probably   a   species  of  seal.     Exod.  xxvi.   14 ; 

Ezek.  xvL  1C. 


Q.  From  what   sources  were  the  Israelites  supplied 

with  fish  ? 
A.  From   the    Mediterranean,   particularly   by   the 

Tyrian  fishermen,  and  from  the  Sea  of  Galilee. 

Neh.  xiii.  16. 


LESSON    IX. 

BIRDS,    REPTILES,    INSECTS. 

Q.  What  peculiarities  of  the  eagle  are  alluded  to  in 

Scripture  ? 
A.  Its  strength  and  rapid  flight,  the  height  at  which 

it  builds  its  nest,  the  moulting  or  change  of  its 

feathers  in  the  spring,  and  its  tender  care  of  its 

young.     Deut.  xxviii.  49  ;  xxxii.  11  ;  Ps.  ciii.  5  ; 

Jer.  xlix.  16. 

Q.  What  of  the  hawk,  called  vulture  in  Job  ^xviii.  7  ? 
A.  Its  migratory  habits,  and  the  keenness  of  its  sight. 

Job  xxviii.  7  ;  xxxix.  26. 
Q.  What  of  the  raven  ? 
A.  Its  voracity,  feeding  sometimes  on  the  unburied 

dead,  and  its  driving  its  young  early  from  the  nest. 

Prov.  xxx.  17  ;  Ps.  cxlvii.  9. 
Q.  What  of  the  ostrich  ? 
A.    Its   frequenting    solitary   places,   its   surprising 

strength  and  swiftness,  and  its  neglect  of  its  eggs. 

Job  xxxix.  13-  17  ;  Lam.  iv.  3. 


33 

Q.  What  of  the  owl  and  pelican  ? 

A.  Their  frequenting  lonely  and  desolate  places. 
Ps.  cii.  6. 

Q.  What  of  the  peacock  ? 

A.  It  was  one  of  the  costly  articles  imported  by  Sol- 
omon. 1  Kings  x.  22. 

Q.  What  of  the  crane  ? 

A.  Its  migrations.     Jer.  viii.  7. 

Q.  What  of  the  stork  ? 

A.  Its  Hebrew  name  signifies  affection,  appropriate 
to  its  care  for  its  young,  and  the  answering  care 
of  the  young  for  their  parents.  Ps.  civ.  17. 

Q.  What  of  the  partridge  ? 

A.  Its  nest  being  on  the  ground,  so  that  it  is  often 
driven  away ;  and  some  singular  modes  of  catch- 
ing it,  still  in  use  among  the  Arabs.  One  of  these 
is  by  hunting  or  running  it  down ;  and  another  by 
decoy-birds,  kept  in  cages,  which  serve  as  traps  to 
catch  other  birds.  1  Sam.  xxvi.  20  ;  Jer  xvii.  11 

Q.  What  is  noticed  of  the  quails  ? 

A.  The  immense  numbers  in  which  they  migrate. 
Exod.  xvL  13. 

Q.  What  of  the  sparrow  ? 

A.  Its  commonness,  and  its  habit  of  building  in  the 
roofs  of  houses.  Matt.  x.  29 ;  Ps.  Ixxxiv.  3. 

Q.  What  of  the  dove  ? 

A.  Its  beauty,  especially  that  of  its  eye ;  its  gentle- 
ness, its  plaintive '  note,  and  the  migratory  habits 
of  the  turtle-dove.  Song  of  Sol.  i  15;  Isa. 
xxxviii.  14. 


34 

Q.  Of  what  is  the  dove  considered  an  emblem  ? 

A.  Of  gentleness.     Matt.  x.  16. 

Q.  How  was  the  frog  regarded  ? 

A.  As  an  impure  and  loathsome  creature.  Rev. 
.  xvi.  13,  14. 

Q.  What  is  noticed  of  some  of  the  serpent  kind  ? 

A.  Their  poisonous  character,  and  the  art  of  charm- 
ing or  controlling  them. 

Q.  What  is  the  scorpion  ? 

A.  An  insect  whose  sting  is  very  painful,  though  not 
dangerous.  It  is  in  shape  like  a  lobster,  and  in 
the  East  is  sometimes  very  large.  Deut.  viii.  15  ; 
Luke  xi.  12. 

Q.  What  is  the  locust  ? 

A.  It  is  about  four  inches  long.  They  fly  in  im- 
mense numbers,  so  as  to  darken  the  air.  They 
devour  every  green  thing,  and  cause  famine  by 
their  ravages.  Deut.  xxviii.  42 ;  Joel  i.  4  ;  ii. 
1-11. 

Q.  What  danger  is  there  after  they  are  destroyed  ? 

A.  That  of  pestilence,  from  the  corruption  of  their 
bodies. 

Q.  How  is  this  prevented  ? 

A.  By  collecting  them  in  great  heaps,  and  burning 
them. 

Q.  How  were  they  sometimes  used  ? 

A.  For  food,  as  they  are  still  in  Arabia,  after  being 
roasted  or  dried.  Matt.  iii.  4.* 


35 
LESSON  X.  ' 

FRUIT  AND  OTHER  BEARING  TREES. 

Q.  What  fruit-trees  were  found  in  Palestine  ? 

A.  The  citron,  almond,  fig,  sycamore,  palm,  olive, 
pomegranate,  and  vine. 

Q.  What  is  meant  by  the  word  apple,  in  Scripture  ? 

A.  The  citron,  a  fruit  of  a  golden  color,  and  very 
fragrant.  Joel  i.  12  ;  Prov.  xxv.  11. 

Q.  With  what  are  the  white  blossoms  of  the  al- 
mond-tree compared  ? 

A.  The  white  hair  of  aged  persons.     Eccl.  xii.  5. 

Q.  What  is  observed  of  the  fig-tree  ? 

A.  It  yields  three  crops  of  figs,  succeeding  each  oth- 
er ;  some  of  the  latest  crop  often  remaining  on 
the  tree  till  the  spring.  Mark  xi.  12  -  14. 

Q.  What  is  the  sycamore  or  sycamine  tree  ? 

A.  A  tree  resembling  the  mulberry  in  its  leaf,  and 
the  fig-tree  in  its  fruit.  Amos  vii.  14. 

Q.  What  is  the  fruit  of  a  species  of  palm-tree 
called  ? 

A.  The  date.     Exod.  xv.  27. 

Q.  How  were  palm-branches  used  ? 

A.  As  emblems  of  triumph.  John  xii.  13  ;  Rev. 
vii.  9. 

Q.  What  was  the  most  valuable  of  all  trees  to  the 
Israelites  ? 

A.  The   olive-tree,  an   evergreen,  from  twenty  to 


36 

thirty  feet  high,  much  esteemed  for  its  fruit,  and 
still  more  for  the  oil  which  is  pressed  from  the 
fruit.  Judg.  ix.  9. 

Q.  Of  what  was  the  olive  branch  or  leaf  an  emblem  ? 

A.  Of  peace  or  favor.     Gen.  viii.  11. 

Q.  Describe  the  pomegranate-tree. 

A.  The  leaves  are  oblong  or  lance-shaped  ;  the 
flowers  large,  and  of  a  rich  scarlet ;  the  fruit  is 
about  the  size  of  an  orange,  with  a  thick  rind,  red, 
and  filled  with  a  red  pulp.  It  is  very  agreeable  in 
the  heat  of  Eastern  climates.  Num.  xx.  5. 

Q.  What  is  remarked  of  the  vine  in  the  Holy 
Land  ? 

A.  The  size  of  its  fruit,  travellers  having  seen  clus- 
ters weighing  each  ten  or  twelve  pounds,  while 
much  larger  ones  are  occasionally  found.  Num. 
xiii.  23. 

Q.  What  kind  of  wine  is  much  used  in  countries 
where  the  grape  grows  plentifully  ? 

A.  Its  freshly  pressed  juice,  which  does  not  intoxi- 
cate. Isa.  Ixv.  8. 

Q.  What  is  meant  in  some  places  by  vinegar  ? 

A.  A  weak  and  inferior  kind  of  wine.  Ruth  ii.  14  ; 
Matt,  xxvii.  48. 

Q.  Describe  the  carob-tree. 

A.  It  is  an  evergreen,  with  dark  purple  flowers. 
Its  pods,  from  which  a  sort  of  honey  or  sugar  is 
extracted,  are  also  used  for  feeding  swine  and 
other  animals.  Luke  xv.  16. 


37 

Q.  What  is  the  balsam  or  balm  tree  of  Gilead  ? 

A.  It  is  an  evergreen,  g£out  fourteen  feet  high,  with 
few  leaves,  and  small  white  flowers.  Jer.  viii.  22. 

Q.  What  do  we  learn  respecting  it  from  ancient 
writers  ? 

A.  It  was  much  cultivated,  and  a  great  source 
of  wealth  to  the  Jews,  from  the  balsam  which  it 
yielded,  which  bore  a  very  high  price.  Gen. 
xxxvii.  25  ;  Ezek.  xxvii.  17. 

Q.  What  tree  is  to  be  understood  in  several  places 
by  the  word  oak  ? 

A.  The  terebinth  or  turpentine  tree,  an  evergreen 
of  moderate  size,  but  having  the  top  and  branches 
large  in  proportion  to  the  trunk.  Its  leaves  re- 
semble those  of  the  olive,  and  it  bears  a  small 
purple  flower.  Its  gum  yields  a  fine  kind  of  tur- 
pentine. Gen.  xxxv.  4;  Judg.  vi.  11,  19. 

Q.  For  what  is  the  tamarisk-tree  remarkable  ? 

A.  For  producing,  from  the  punctures  made  by  an 
insect,  the  substance  called  manna,  which  drops 
upon  the  ground  around  the  tree.  It  is  uncertain, 
however,  whether  this  is  th'e  manna  mentioned  in 
the  Bible.  Exod.  xvi.  14,  15. 

Q.  What  is  the  acacia,  or  shittah-tree  ? 

4.  A  tree  producing  yellow  flowers  and  pods,  and 
yielding  the  gum  arabic.  Its  wood  was  used  for 
making  the  ark  of  the  covenant,  and  other  furni- 
ture of  the  tabernacle. 

Q.  What  is  said  by  the  Arabs  of  a  tree  which  they 
call  gharrab  ? 


38 

A.  That  a  sweet  juice  flows  from  its  leaves  and 
twigs,  to  which  they  give  tfie  name  of  "  Beyrouk 
honey." 


LESSON    XI. 

FOREST  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

Q.  For  what  tree  was  Mount  Lebanon  distinguished  ? 

A.  The  cedar,  of  which  about  twelve  of  enormous 
size  and  great  age  still  exist,  together  with  many 
younger  ones.  1  Kings  iv.  33 ;  v.  6,  9. 

Q.  What  is  the  cypress  of  Palestine  ? 

A.  A  tall  tree  of  the  evergreen  kind,  with  hard  and 
durable  wood.  Isa.  xliv.  14. 

Q.  What  is  the  gopher-tree  supposed  to  have  been  ? 

A.  The  fir  or  pine  tree.     Gen.  vi.  14. 

Q.   What  tree  is  meant  by  the  name  chestnut  ? 

A.  The  plane-tree,  a  tree  of  much  beauty,  and  ex- 
hibiting great  diversity  in  its  appearance.  It  has 
broad  leaves,  springing  from  the  extremity  of  its 
branches,  and  affording  abundant  shade.  Ezek. 
xxxi.  8. 

Q.  What  was  the  almug  or  algum  tree  ? 

A.  A  foreign  production,  brought  to  Solomon  by  sea. 
It  is  supposed  to  have  been  what  is  now  called 
Brazil-wood,  very  durable,  and  suited  for  cabinet- 
work. 1  Kings  x.  11,  12 ;  2  Chron.  ix.  10. 


Q.  What  is  remarked  of  the  juniper  ? 

A.  It  grows  in  Palestine,  generally,  and  in  the  val- 
leys of  Edom.  It  is  a  bush  or  small  tree,  bearing 
a  white  flower  streaked  with  purple.  Its  roots  are 
very  bitter,  and  are  regarded  by  the  Arabs  as 
yielding  the  best  charcoal.  1  Kings  xix.  4,  5  ;  Job 
xxx.  4 ;  Ps.  cxx.  4. 

Q.  What  tree  has  been  observed  in  the  wooded  coun- 
try southwest  of  the  Dead  Sea  ? 

A.  A  tree,  the  fruit  and  leaves  of  which  resemble 
mustard  in  taste.  It  is  supposed  to  be  the  mustard 
referred  to  by  our  Saviour.  Matt.  xiii.  31. 

Q.  What  has  been  observed  respecting  the  "  apples 
of  Sodom  "  ? 

A.  That  there  is  a  tree  in  the  country  near  the  Dead 
Sea,  the  fruit  of  which  is  fair  outwardly,  but  full 
of  dust  within.  This  has  been  asserted  by  old 
writers  ;  but  the  particular  plant  meant  is  not  fully 
ascertained.  Several  approach  nearly  to  the  de- 
scription. Deut.  xxxii.  32. 

Q.  What  has  been  observed  respecting  the  rose-tree 
in  Persia? 

A.  It  grows  sometimes  to  the  height  of  fourteen  feet, 
laden  with  thousands  of  flowers.  Song  of  Sol.  ii. 
1  ;  Isa.  xxxv.  1. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  the  lily  ? 

A.  It  grows  wild  in  Persia,  and  probably  in  Judea. 
Matt.  vi.  28. 

Q.  What  is  remarkable  of  the  gourd  ? 


40 

A.  Its  very  rapid  growth ;  attaining  the  height  of 

eight  feet  in  five  months.     Jonah  iv.  6  -  10. 
Q.   What  is  the  hyssop  ? 

A.  A  shrub,  about  eighteen  inches  high,  with  an  aro- 
matic smell.  1  Kings  iv.  33. 

Q.  For  what  was  it  used  ? 

A.  Bunches  of  it  were  used  as  we  use  sponges,  to 
contain  liquids.  Exod.  xii.  22 ;  Ps.  li.  7  ;  John 
xix.  29. 

Q.  What  is  the  camphire  of  the  Bible  ? 

A.  A  shrub,  now  called  al-henna,  beautiful  and 
odoriferous,  growing  ten  or  twelve  feet  high.  Song 
of  Sol.  i.  14. 

Q.  What  has  been  said  by  a  modern  traveller  re- 
specting mallows  ? 

A.  That  the  poor,  in  seasons  of  scare ky,  use  this  plant 
for  food.  Job  xxx.  4. 

Q.  For  what  was  the  reed  made  emblematic  ? 

A.  Instability  or  weakness.    Isa.  xlii.  3  ;  Matt.  xi.  7. 

Q.  For  what  was  the  Egyptian  bulrush  or  papyrus 
used  ? 

A.  For  boats  or  canoes,  and  even  for  larger  vessels. 
Exod.  ii.  3 ;  Isa.  xviii.  2. 

Q.  What  use  was  also  made  of  its  bark  ? 

A.  It  was  used  as  a  material  for  writing,  or  as  paper, 
a  name  derived  from  that  of  the  papyrus.  Isa.  xix.  7. 

Q.  For  what  purpose  was  flax  sometimes  used 
among  the  Jews  ? 

A.  For  the  wicks  of  lamps.     Isa.  xlii.  3. 


41 

Q.  What  are  tares  ? 

A.  A  species  of  weed  resembling  wheat,  and  grow- 
ing among  it.     Matt.  xiii.  25. 


LESSON    XII. 

FIRST    INHABITANTS    OF    PALESTINE. 

Q.  Who  appear  to  have  been  the  first  inhabitants  of 

Palestine  ? 

A.  The  Canaanites  and  the  Philistines. 
Q.  Who  were  the  Canaanites  ? 
A.  Descendants  of  Canaan,  the  son  of  Ham.     Gen. 

x.  6. 
Q.  What  were  the    most   important   tribes    of  the 

Canaanites  that  dwelt  in  Palestine  ? 
•A.  The  Hittites,  or  children  of  Heth,  the  Amorites, 

and  the  Jebusites. 

Q.  What  in  particular  is  recorded  of  the  Hittites  ? 
A.  The  purchase  from  them,  by  Abraham,  of  a  cave 

for  a  burial-place.     Gen.  xxiii.  16-  18. 
Q.  What  of  the  Amorites  ? 
A.  The  overthrow  of  their  five  kings  by  Joshua. 

Josh.  x.  3. 

Q.  What  of  the  Jebusites  ? 
A.  They  inhabited  Jerusalem  and  its  vicinity,  till  the 

time  of  David.     2  Sam.  v.  6-9. 
Q.  What  important  cities  out  of  Palestine  are  men- 

NO.    II.  4 


42 

tioned  as  having  been  possessed  by  'he  Canaan- 
ites  ? 

A.  Sidon  in  Phoenicia,  and  Hamatn  in  c>yria.     Gen. 
x.  15,  18. 

Q.  From  whom  were  the  Philistines  descended  ? 

A.  From  Mizraim,  the  son  of  Ham.    (>en.  x.  13,  14. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Anakim,  Anakims,  or  sons   of 
Anak  ? 

A.  A  tribe  of  Philistines  or  Canaanites,  of  remark- 
able stature.     Num.  xiii.  33  ;  Josh.  xi.  2*5 ;  xv.  13. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Emim,*or  Emims  t 

A.  A  similar   tribe,  dwelling  east   of  the   Jordan. 
Gen.  xiv.  5 ;  Deut.  ii.  10. 

Q.  What  part  of  the  country  cud  the  Philistines  in 
habit  ? 

A.  The  southwestern  sea-coast,  on  the  Mediterra- 
nean.    Josh.  xiii.  3. 

Q.  From  whom  were  the  Ammonites  and  Moabites 
descended  ? 

A.  From  Lot,  the  nephew  of  Abraham. 

Q.  WThere  was  the  country  of  the  Ammonites  ? 

A.  East   of  the   Jordan,   and    south    of  the   river 
Jabbok.     Deut.  ii.  19. 

Q.  Where,  that  of  the  Moabites  ? 

A.  South  of  the  Ammonites,  and  on  both  sides  of 
the  river  Arnon.     Deut.  ii.  9. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Midianites  ? 

A.  Descendants  of  Abraham  by  his  second  wife, 
Keturah.     Gen.  xxv.  2. 


43 

Q.  Whs,,  country  did  they  occupy  ? 

A.  South    of  the   Moabites,   and   extending  thence 

toward  the  Red  Sea,  on  the  east  of  the  desert. 

Exod.  iii.  1 ;  Num.^xxii.  4,  7. 
Q.  Who  were  the  Edomites  ? 
A.  Descendants    of  Esau,   the   brother    of    Jacob. 

Gen.  xxxvi.  8,  9 ;  Deut.  xxiii.  7. 
Q.  Who  were  the  Kenites  ? 
A.  A  tribe  to  which  Jethro,  the   father-in-law  of 

Moses,  appears  to  have  belonged.     They  were  on 

friendly  terms  with  the  Israelites,  and  dwelt  among 

them,  living  generally  in  tents.     Judg.  i.  16 ;  iv. 

1 1 ;  1  Sam.  xv.  6  ;  1  Chron.  ii.  55 ;  Jer.  xxxv. 
Q.  Who  were  the  Amalekites  ? 
A.  A  tribe  of  wandering  character,  with  whom  the 

Israelites  waged  a  war  of  extermination.     Exod. 

xvii.  8,  14  ;  1  Sam.  xv.  3. 


LESSON    XIII. 

DIVISION    OF   THE    COUNTRY   AMONG   THE    TRIBES. 

Q.  By  whom  was  the  country  conquered  from  the 

Canaanites  ? 
A.  By  the  Israelites,  under  the  command  of  Moses, 

and  afterwards  under  that  of  Joshua.    Josh.  i.  1,  2. 
Q.  What  portion  of  the  Israelites  had  the  land  on 

the  east  side  of  Jordan  assigned  to  them  ? 


44 

A.  The  tribes  of  Reuben  and  Gad,  and  half  the 

tribe  of  Manasseh.     Num.  xxxii.  33. 
Q.  Why  were  these  and  the  other  tribes  so  named  ? 
A.  From  their  ancestors,  Reuben,  Gad,  Manasseh, 

and  others,  who  were  members  of  the  family  of 

Jacob  or  Israel.     Gen.  xxxv.  23-26. 
Q.  Was  Manasseh  one  of  the  sons  of  Jacob  ? 
A.  No.     Manasseh  and  Ephraim  were  the  sons  of 

Joseph.     Gen.  xli.  50  -  52. 
Q.  Why  were  they  counted  as  heads  of  tribes  ? 
A.  It  was  the  custom  to  give  the  first-born  or  eldest 

son  a  double  portion  of  the  family  property  ;  and 

Joseph  was  counted  as  first-born  on  account  of 

his  merit.     Gen.  xlviii.  5,  6. 
Q.  Who  was  really  the  first-born  son  ? 
A.  Reuben  ;  but  he  had  lost  his  right  by  gross  mis- 
conduct.    1  Chron.  v.  1. 
Q.  On  what  condition  did  Moses  give  the  land  east 

of  the  Jordan  to  Reuben,  Gad,  and  Manasseh  ? 
A.  That  their  fighting  men  should  go  over  with  the 

rest,  and  help  to  subdue  the  Canaanites.     Num. 

xxxii.  29. 
Q.  How  were  these  three  tribes  arranged  on  the 

eas't  of  Jordan  ? 
A.  The  possessions  of  Manasseh  lay  farthest  north ; 

next  those  of  Gad  ;  and  Reuben  next,  extending 

to  the  Dead  Sea  and  the  river  Arnon.     Josh.  xiii. 

15-32. 
Q.  Among  those  west  of  the   Jordan,  what  great 

tribe  had  its  portion  in  the  south  ? 


45 

A.  Judah.     Josh.  xv.  1. 

Q.  VVhat  tribes  west  of  this  ? 

A.  Simeon  in  the  southwest,  and  Dan  next  it.  Josh, 
xix.  1,  40. 

Q.  What  next  north  of  Judah  ? 

A.  Benjamin.     Josh,  xviii.  11. 

Q.  What  powerful  tribe  north  of  Benjamin  ? 

A.  Ephraim,  descended  from  the  other  son  of  Jo- 
seph. Gen.  xlviii.  19,  20  ;  Josh.  xvi.  5. 

Q.  What  next  north  of  Ephraim  ? 

A.  The  remainder  of  Manasseh.     Josh.  xvii.  2. 

Q.  What  next  north  of  Manasseh,  in  the  great  plain 
of  Esdraelon? 

A.  Issachar.     Josh.  xix.  17. 

Q.  What  next,  between  Mount  Carmel  and  the  Sea 
of  Chinnereth  ? 

A.  Zebulon.     Josh.  xix.  10. 

Q.  What  north  of  this,  upon  the  Mediterranean  Sea 
and  Phoenicia  ? 

A.  Asher.     Josh.  xix.  24. 

Q.  What  east  of  Asher  ? 

A.  Naphtali.     Josh.  xix.  32. 

Q.  Did  the  tribe  of  Levi  have  a  separate  territory  ? 

A.  No.  They  had  a  number  of  cities  assigned  to 
them,  in  various  parts  of  the  country.  Num. 
xxxv.  7. 

Q.  Why  was  this  ? 

A.  The  tribe  of  Levi  was  set  apart  for  religious 
purposes,  and  had  their  support  mostly  from  offer- 
ings made  by  the  people.  Josh.  xiii.  14. 


46 
LESSON    XIV. 

LATER   POLITICAL    DIVISIONS. 

Q.  How  was  the  nation  divided  after  the  death  of 

Solomon  ? 
A.  Into  two  kingdoms,  called  Judah  and  Israel.     1 

Kings  xii.  19. 

Q.  What  did  the  kingdom  of  Judah  include  ? 
A.  The  tribes  of  Judah  and   Benjamin.     1    Kings 

xii.  21. 

Q.  Where  was  it  situated  ? 
A.  In  the  southern  part  of  the  country. 
Q.  What  did  the  kingdom  of  Israel  include  ? 
A.  The  other  ten  tribes  which  had  territorial  pos- 
sessions. 

Q.  What  part  did  the  tribe  of  Levi  take  ? 
A.  That  of  Judah.  2  Chron.  xi.  13,  14. 
Q.  What  portion  of  the  country  did  the  kingdom  of 

Israel  include  ? 
A.  The   northern,   northeastern,   and   southwestern 

part. 

Q.  By  what  other  names  was  this  kingdom  called  ? 
A.  Ephraim  and  Samaria.     Isa.  vii.  2  ;  Ezra  iv.  10. 
Q.  What  were  its  capital  cities  ? 
A.  Tirzah,  Samaria,  Jezreel.     1  Kings  xiv.  17  ;  xv. 

33 ;  xvi.  24,  29  ;  xxi.  1. 

Q.  What  was  the  capital  of  the  kingdom  of  Judah  ? 
A.  Jerusalem.     1  Kings  xiv.  21. 


47 

Q.  How  was  Palestine  divided  in  the  time  of  our 
Saviour  ? 

A.  Into  four  parts,  Judea,  Samaria,  Galilee,  and 
Perea.  John  iv.  3. 

Q.  Where  was  Judea  ? 

A.  In  the  south. 

Q.  Where  was  Samaria  ? 

A.  In  the  centre.     John  iv.  4. 

Q.  Where  was  Galilee  ? 

A.  In  the  north.     Acts  x.  37. 

Q.  Where  was  Perea  ? 

A.  East  of,  or  beyond,  the  Jordan.  The  name  Pe- 
rea signifies  beyond.  John  i.  28. 

Q.  By  whom  was  Samaria  inhabited  ? 

A.  By  the  Samaritans,  a  race  of  people  descended 
partly  from  those  of  the  ancient  kingdom  of  Is- 
rael, or  the  ten  tribes.  John  iv.  12 ;  2  Kings  xvii. 
24-41. 

Q.  By  whom  was  the  rest  of  the  country  inhabited  ? 

A.  By  the  Jews,  descendants  of  those  who  had 
formed  the  ancient  kingdom  of  Judah.  •  Ezra  i.  5. 

Q.  How  is  the  name  "  Jews  "  sometimes  applied  ? 

A.  To  that  part  of  the  nation  who  inhabited  the 
southern  section,  or  Judea  proper.  John  vii.  1 ; 
xi.  8. 

Q.  Where  were  Iturea,  Trachonitis,  and  Abilene  ? 

A.  Principalities  on  the  western  and  northern  bor- 
der of  Palestine.  Luke  iii.  1. 

Q.  Where  was  Decapolis  ? 


48 

A.  A  district  in  Samaria  and  Perea,  south  and  west 
of  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  containing  ten  principal  cit- 
ies, as  its  name  implies.  It  was  probably  inhab- 
ited principally  by  gentiles.  Matt.  iv.  25. 

Q.  Who  were  the  gentiles  ? 

4.  All  nations  except  the  Jews  and  the  Samaritans. 
Matt.  x.  5.  . 

\3-  What  part  of  Galilee  was  called  "  Galilee  of  the 
Gentiles  "  ? 

A.  The  northern  part,  on  account  of  its  neighbor- 
hood to  other  nations.  Matt.  iv.  15. 

Q.  Where  was  the  country  of  the  Gadarenes,  or 
Gergesenes  ? 

A.  Part  of  Decapolis,  including  the  cities  of  Gada- 
ra  and  Gergesa.  Mark  v.  1  ;  Matt.  viii.  28. 


LESSON  XV. 

JERUSALEM. 

Q.  Where  is  Jerusalem  ? 

A.  In  the  southern  part  of  the  country,  in  the  terri- 
tory assigned  to  the  tribe  of  Benjamin.  Josh, 
xviii.  28. 

Q.  How  is  it  situated  ? 

A.  In  a  hilly  region,  about  twenty-five  miles  west 
of  the  Jordan,  and  forty-two  east  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean. Ps.  xlviii.  1,2;  cxxv.  2. 


49 

Q.  What  appears  to  have  been  its  earliest  name  ? 
A.  Salem,  which  signifies  peace.      Gen.   xiv.    18 ; 

Ps.  Ixxvi.  2. 

Q.  What  was  it  afterwards  called  ? 
A.  Jebus ;  and  its  inhabitants  were  called  Jebusites. 

Judg.  xix.  10. 

Q.  How  did  it  obtain  its  present  name. 
A.  King   David,    who   took  it  from  the   Jebusites, 

combined  its  two   former  names,  "  Jebus "  and 

"  Salem,"  softening  them  into  "  Jerusalem."     1 

Chron.  xi.  4. 

Q.   On  wha't  was  it  built  ? 
A.  It  was  built  on  three  hills,  and  the  intervening 

valleys. 

Q.  What  were  these  hills  called  ? 
A.  The  northeastern,  Moriah  ;  the  southern,  Zion ; 

the  western,  Acra.     Gen.  xxii.  2 ;  Ps.  ii.  6. 
Q.  What  other  portion  was  inclosed  a   few  years 

after  the  time  of  our  Saviour  ? 
A.    A   hill    north   of  Moriah,    which   received    the 

name  of  Bezetha. 
Q.  Where  was  the  Temple  built  ? 
A.  On  Mount  Moriah.     2  Chron.  iii.  1. 
Q.  Where  was  the  king's  palace  ? 
A.  On  Mount  Zion,  which  was  more    particularly 

called  "  the  city  of  David."     1  Chron  xi.  5,  7. 
Q.  What  valley  was  there  between  Zion  and  Moriah  ? 
A.  The  valley  Tyropoeon,  or  "  of  the  cheesemon- 
gers." 

NO.  II.  5 


50 

Q.  What  fountain  and  pool  at  the  southeastern  ex- 
tremity of  this  valley  ? 

A.  The  fountain  and  pool  of  Siloam,  communicat 
ing  under  ground  with  each  other  and  with  the 
Temple.  Isa.  viii.  6  ;  Neh.  iii.  15 ;  John  ix.  7. 

Q.  What  valley  on  the  east,  and  what  stream  run- 
ning through  it  ? 

A.  The  valley  of  Jehoshaphat,  in  which  flowed  the 
brook  Kidron.  Joel.  iii.  2. 

Q.   What  hill  east  of  the  valley  of  Jehoshaphat  ? 

A.  The  Mount  of  Olives.     Matt.  xxiv.  3. 

Q.  What  garden  at  the  foot  of  this  hill  ? 

A.  Gethsemane.     Matt.  xxvi.  30,  36. 

Q.  What  valley  west  of  the  city  ? 

A.  That  of  Gihon.     1  Kings  i.  33. 

Q.  What  valley  south  of  the  city  ? 

A.  Gehenna,  Hinnom,  or  Tophet.  (See  questions 
on  p.  25.) 

Q.  What  remarkable  buildings  did  Herod  the  Great 
construct,  to  adorn  the  city  ? 

A.  Among  others,  three  towers  of  great  height  and 
beauty,  called  the  towers  of  Hippicus,  Mariamne, 
and  Phasael. 

Q.  Where  is  the  supposed  place  of  our  Lord's  cru- 
cifixion and  burial  ? 

A.  It  is  now  marked  by  a  splendid  church,  called 
the  Church  of  the  Holy  Sepulchre,  north  of  Zion, 
and  west  of  Moriah.  Matt,  xxvii.  33,  60. 

Q.  Does  the  modern  city  occupy  exactly  the  place 
of  the  ancient  one  ? 


51 

A.  The  modern  city  does  not  extend  so  far  south, 
but  farther  to  the  west. 


LESSON    XVI. 

OTHER   CITIES. 

Qt  What  cities  of  importance  are  mentioned  in  the 
early  history  of  the  country  ? 

A.  Shechem  and  Gibeon  in  the  central  part,  He- 
bron in  the  southern,  Jericho  near  the  Jordan  and 
the  Dead  Sea.  Gen.  xxxv.  4 ;  Josh  ix.  3 ;  Gen. 
xxiii.  2. 

Q.  What  places  marked  the  extremities  of  the  coun- 
try ? 

A.  Dan  at  the  north,  and  Beersheba  at  the  south. 
Judg.  xx.  1. 

Q.  What  marked  the  extremities  of  the  kingdom  of 
Israel,  after  its  separation  from  Judah  ? 

A.  Dan  at  the  north,  and  Bethel  or  Beth-Aven  at 
the  south.  1  Kings  xii.  28,  29  ;  Hos.  x.  5. 

Q.  What  were  the  capitals  of  the  country  during 
the  period  of  the  Judges. 

A.  Shiloh,  near  the  centre  of  the  country,  where 
the  Tabernacle  was,  and  Shechem,  in  the  same 
neighborhood.  Judg.  xviii.  31 ;  Jer.  vii.  12 ; 
Judg.  ix.  1. 

Q.  What  was  the  capital  of  David's  kingdom,  be- 
fore he  took  Jerusalem  ? 


52 

A.  Hebron.     2  Sam.  ii.  11. 

Q.  What  cities  were  in  the  country  of  Gilead,  east 
of  Jordan  ? 

A.  Jabesh-Gilead  and  Ramoth-Gilead.  1  Sam. 
xxxi.  11 ;  1  Kings  xxii.  3. 

Q.  What  two  places  bore  the  name  of  Gilgal  ? 

A.  One  on  the  Jordan,  near  Jericho  ;  and  one  called 
Gilgal  of  the  Nations,  on  the  Mediterranean. 
Josh.  v.  9;  xii.  23;  1  Sam.  x.  8. 

Q.   What  places  in  the  country  of  the  Philistines  ? 

A.  Ashdod  or  Azotus,  Gath,  Askelon,  and  Gaza 
1  Sam.  v.  1  ;  2  Sam.  i.  20  ;  Judg.  xvi.  3,  21. 

Q.   What  was  the  ancient  capital  of  the  Moabites  ? 

A.  Heshbon.     Num.  xxi.  26  ;  Isa.  xv.  4. 

Q.  What  was  the  capital  of  the  Ammonites  ? 

A.  Rabbah,  or  Rabbath-Ammon.     2  Sam.  xii.  26. 

Q.  What  places  of  interest  near  Jerusalem  are  men- 
tioned in  the  New  Testament  ? 

A.  Ramah  to  the  north,  Bethphage  and  Bethany  lo 
the  east,  Bethlehem  to  the  south,  and  Emmaus 
to  the  northwest.  Matt.  ii.  18  ;  xxi.  1,  17  ;  Luke 
xxiv.  50  ;  Matt.  ii.  1 ;  Luke  xxiv.  13. 

Q.  What  places  on  the  Lake  of  Gennesaret  ? 

A.  Capernaum,  Chorazin,  and  Bethsaida,  at  its 
northern  part,  and  Tiberias  on  the  west.  Matt, 
iv.  13  ;  xi.  21 ;  John  i.  44 ;  vi.  1,  23. 

Q.  What  other  places  in  Galilee  ? 

A.  Nazareth,  Cana,  Nain,  and  Csesarea  Philippi, 
which  was  the  same  with  the  ancient  city  of 


53 

Dan.  Matt.  ii.  23  ;  John  ii.  1 ;  Luke  vii.  11 ;  Matt, 
xvi.  13. 

Q.  What  places  in  Samaria  ? 

A.  Sychar,  which  was  the  same  with  Shechem,  Sa- 
maria, and  Csesarea  of  Palestine.  John  iv.  5; 
Acts  viii.  5  ;  xxiii.  23,  24. 

Q.  What  places  in  the  western  part  of  Judea  ? 

A.  Arimathea,  Joppa,  Lydda,  Azotus.  Matt,  xxvii. 
57  ;  Acts  ix.  36,  38  ;  viii.  40. 

Q.  What  places  of  interest  in  Perea,  or  the  country 
east  of  Jordan  ? 

A.  Bethabara,  where  John  baptized ;  Machserus, 
where  he  was  beheaded  ;  and  Pella,  to  which  the 
Christians  withdrew  when  Jerusalem  was  taken  by 
the  Romans.  John  i.  28  ;  Matt.  xiv.  10. 

Q.  What  cities  were  distinguished  in  the  Apocry- 
pha,* of  which  little  or  no  mention  is  made  in 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments  ? 

A  Bethulia,  Modin,  Ephron,  Bethshan  or  Scythop- 
olis,  Bethsur  or  Bethsura.  The  situation  of 
Bethulia  and  Ephron  is  uncertain.  Judith  iv.  6  ; 
1  Mace.  ii.  1  ;  iv.  29 ;  v.  46,  52 ;  2  Mace.  xii.  29. 

Q.  What  cities  bore  a  part  in  the  war  between  the 
Jews  and  Romans,  but  are  not  mentioned  in  the 
Bible  ? 

*  Apocrypha  is  the  name  given  to  certain  writings,  which 
contain,  among  other  matter,  records  of  the  Jewish  history 
for  a  part  of  the  time  between  the  end  of  the  Old  Testament 
and  the  beginning  of  the  New.  They  are  often  bound  up 
with  the  Bible,  though  not  considered  of  equal  authority. 


54 

A.  Jotapata,  Taricheoe,  Gamala,  and  Gischala. 

Q.  What  cities  on  the  coast  have  been  distinguished 

in  the  more  recent  history  of  Palestine  ? 
A.  Acre,  otherwise  called  Accho  or  Ptolemais,  near 

Mount  Carmel ;   Joppa,   or  Jaffa ;   and  Askelon. 

Judg.  i.  31 ;   1  Mace.  v.  15. 


LESSON    XVII. 

THE  TABERNACLE  AND  THE  TEMPLE. 

Q.  What  did  Moses  cause  to  be  constructed  for  the 
worship  of  the  people  in  the  wilderness  ? 

A.  A  splendid  Tabernacle,  or  tent.     Exod.  xxvi.  1. 

Q.  Describe  it. 

A.  It  was  about  fifty-five  feet  long,  eighteen  broad, 
and  eighteen  high,  formed  of  upright  boards,  each 
overlaid  with  gold,  and  resting  on  a  base  of  silver. 
They  were  secured  together  by  bars,  also  plated 
with  gold.  Four  coverings  or  curtains  were  laid 
over  the  whole  ;  the  inner  one  of  fine  linen,  em- 
broidered. Exod.  xxvi.  1  -  30. 

Q.  What  were  used  to  cover  the  front,  and  to  di- 
vide the  Tabernacle  into  two  apartments  ? 

A.  Curtains  or  veils  of  costly  workmanship.  Exod. 
xxvi.  31,  36. 

Q.  What  was  the  outer  part  called  ? 

A.  The  Holy  Place.     Exod.  xxvi.  33. 


55 

Q.  What  was  the  inner  part  called  ? 

A.  The  Holy  of  Holies,  or  the  Most  Holy  Place. 
Exod  xxvi.  34. 

Q.  Where  was  the  Tabernacle  placed  ? 

A.  In  a  large  court,  surrounded  by  curtains.  Exod. 
xxvii.  9. 

Q.  What  sacred  utensils  were  placed  in  this  court  ? 

A.  The  altar  of  burnt-ofife  rings,  and  the  brazen  la- 
ver.  Exod.  xxvii.  1 ;  xxx.  18. 

Q.  What  in  the  Holy  Place  ? 

A.  The  table  of  show-bread,  the  golden  candlestick 
of  seven  branches,  and  the  golden  altar  to  burn 
incense,  or  fragrant  spices.  Exod.  xxv.  31 ;  xxx.  1. 

Q.  What  was  the  table  of  show-bread  ? 

A.  A  small  table,  plated  with  gold,  on  which  twelve 
fresh  loaves  were  placed  every  Sabbath.  Exod. 
xxv.  23,  30 ;  Lev.  xxiv.  5,  8. 

Q.  What  was  in  the  Holy  of  Holies  ? 

A.  The  Ark  of  the  Covenant,  a  chest  of  wood  plated 
with  gold,  and  containing  the  tables  of  the  Law, 
and  some  memorials  of  the  wonders  in  the  desert. 
Its  lid  was  of  solid  gold,  and  called  the  Mercy- 
seat.  Exod.  xxv.  10,  17 ;  xvi.  33 ;  Num.  xvii.  8 ; 
Deut.  x.  5 ;  Heb.  ix.  4. 

Q.  What  were  placed  upon  the  mercy-seat  ? 

A.  Two  cherubim,  or  emblematic  winged  figures, 
the  space  between  which  was  regarded  as  the  pe- 
culiar place  of  the  Divine  presence.  Exod.  xxv. 
22. 


56 

Q.  Describe  the  Temple,  which  Solomon  built  to  take 
the  place  of  the  Tabernacle. 

A.  It  was  a  vast  extent  of  porticos,  courts,  and 
chambers,  having  in  the  centre  of  all  a  building 
resembling  the  Tabernacle  in  its  arrangement, 
with  a  porch,  holy  place,  and  holy  of  holies. 
Mark  xiii.  1. 

Q.  By  whom  was  the  Temple  rebuilt,  after  its  de- 
struction by  the  Babylonians  ? 

A.  By  Zerubbabel  and  others,  after  their  return  from 
the  Babylonish  Captivity.  Ezra  iii.  2, 12. 

Q.  By  whom  was  it  repaired  so  fully,  that  it  is  said 
to  have  been  rebuilt  by  him  ? 

A.  By  Herod  the  Great,  shortly  before  the  birth  of 
our  Saviour.  John  ii.  20. 

Q.  How  large  was  the  altar  of  burnt-offerings  in 
Herod's  Temple  ? 

A.  About  forty-eight  feet  square,  and  fifteen  high. 

Q.  Describe  the  porch  before  the  holy  place. 

A.  It  was  a  hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  height,  towering 
far  above  the  other  parts  of  the  Temple.  Over  the 
door  was  a  golden  vine,  with  branches  hanging 
down.  In  Solomon's  Temple  the  porch  was  still 
higher.  2  Chron.  iii.  4. 

Q.  Which  of  the  doors  of  the  Temple  was  called  the 
Beautiful  Gate  ? 

A.  It  was  the  eastern  door  of  the  middle  court,  called 
the  Court  of  Israel.  It  was  of  Corinthian  brass, 
a  compound  metal  of  great  value ;  and  was  re- 


57 

garded  as  surpassing  the  other  doors,  which  were 
plated  with  gold  and  silver.  Acts  iii.  2. 

Q.  What  is  understood  by  the  pinnacles  of  the  Tem- 
ple ? 

A.  The  highest  parts  of  the  roofs.  Those  on  the 
south  side  of  the  outer  range  of  buildings  were 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  feet  above  the  valley  be- 
low. Matt.  iv.  5,  6. 

Q.  What  was  at  the  northwest  corner  of  the  Temple 
inclosure  ? 

A.  The  Castle  of  Antonia,  so  named  by  Herod,  in 
honor  of  Mark  Antony,  a  Roman  commander.  It 
was  occupied  by  Roman  soldiers,  who  could  thus 
observe  and  control  the  conduct  of  those  in  the 
courts  of  the  Temple.  Acts  xxi.  31-34. 

Q.  Where  was  it  that  our  Saviour  found  the  money- 
changers ? 

A.  In  the  outer  court,  called  the  Court  of  the  Gen- 
tiles. Matt.  xxi.  12. 


LESSON    XVIII. 

TEMPLE  SERVICES,   PRIESTS,   AND    LEVITES. 

Q.  How  did  the  Jews  regard  their  Tabernacle,  or 

Temple  ? 
A.  As  the  place  where  the  Most  High  was  peculiarly 

present.     Ps.  xxvi.  8. 


58 

Q.  How  did  they  pray  when  at  a  distance  from  it  ? 

A.  They  turned  towards  it.  1  Kings  viii.  29,  38 ; 
Dan.  vi.  10. 

Q.  Where  did  the  Samaritans  have  their  temple  ? 

A.  On  Mount  Gerizim.     John  iv.  20. 

Q.  Why  were  the  people  forbidden  to  offer  sacri- 
fices except  at  the  Tabernacle  or  Temple  ? 

A.  Lest  they  should  fall  into  idolatry.  Lev.  xvii.  8, 
9  ;  Josh.  xxii.  16,  22,  23. 

Q.  Were  there  any  exceptions  to  this  rule  ? 

A.  Some  departures  from  it  appear  to  have  been  al- 
lowed. 1  Kings  iii.  2-4  ;  xviii.  30. 

Q.  In  what  did  the  services  of  the  Temple  con- 
sist ? 

A.  Principally  in  the  offering  of  sacrifices,  and  in 
vocal  and  instrumental  music.  2  Chron.  v.  11, 
13  ;  vii.  1. 

Q.  What  sacrifices  were  offered  daily  ? 

A.  A  lamb  was  burnt  whole  every  morning,  and 
another  every  evening.  Flour,  wine,  and  oil  were 
offered  with  these,  under  the  name  of  the  meat 
and  drink  offerings.  Incense  was  also  burnt  on 
the  golden  altar.  Exod.  xxix.  38,  41  ;  xxx.  7,  8. 

Q.  What  was  the  offering  on  the  Sabbath  ? 

A.  ^ he  offerings  of  each  kind  were  doubled.  Num. 
xxviii.  10,  11. 

Q.   What  were  trespass-offerings  ? 

A.  Such  as  were  required  of  those  who  had  com- 
mitted offences  against  the  law.  Lev.  v.  1-6. 


59     - 

Q.  What  were  peace  or  free-will  offerings  ? 

A.  Those  brought  by  individuals  in  token  of  grati- 
tude. Of  these  only  a  portion  was  burnt,  a  part 
was  given  to  the  priest,  and  the  rest  was  used  by 
the  offerer  for  a  religious  feast.  Lev.  iii.  1. 

Q.  What  were  the  "  heave "  and  "  wave"  offer- 
ings ? 

A.  Parts  of  certain  offerings,  which  were  waved  or 
lifted  up  before  the  altar,  in  token  of  consecration, 
and  which  then  became  the  perquisites  of  the 
priests.  Exod.  xxix.  27. 

Q.  What  tribe  was  chosen  for  religious  purposes  ? 

A.  The  tribe  of  Levi.     Num.  iii.  5,  6. 

Q.  What  family  of  this  tribe  were  chosen  as  priests  ? 

A.  The  family  of  Aaron.     Lev.  viii.  12,  13. 

Q.  How  many  priests  were  there  ? 

A.  At  first,  only  Aaron  and  his  sons  ;  afterwards 
the  descendants  of  Aaron  became  so  numerous, 
that  they  were  divided  into  twenty-four  courses, 
taking  turns  with  each  other  in  the  service  of  the 
Temple.  1  Chron.  xxiv. ;  Luke  i.  5. 

Q.  What  were  the  duties  of  the  other  Levites  ? 

A.  They  assisted  the  priests,  and  were  with  them 
the  educated  class  of  the  nation.  Num.  iii.  6,  9  ; 
1  Chron.  xxiii.  3-6. 

Q.  How  were  the  priests  and  Levites  maintained  ? 

A.  They  had  the  tithes,  or  one  tenth  of  all  the  prod- 
uce of  the  land ;  they  had  a  share  in  the  offerings 
brought  by  the  people  to  the  Temple  ;  and  there 


60 

were  certain  cities  set  apart  for  their  residence. 
Num.  xviii.  24;  Lev.  vii.  6,  34  ;  Num.  xxxv.  2. 

Q.  What  privilege  was  granted  to  some  of  these 
Levitical  cities  ? 

A.  They  were  made  ct  cities  of  refuge,"  or  sanctua- 
ries, for  persons  who  had  killed  others  acciden- 
tally. 

Q.   Why  was  this  ? 

A.  To  secure  such  persons  from  sudden  anger,  or  a 
misguided  sense  of  honor,  on  the  part  of  the  rel- 
atives of  the  slain.  Num.  xxxv.  11,  12. 

Q.  How  was  the  high-priest  distinguished? 

A.  By  a  "  holy  crown,"  a  "  breastplate,"  and  splen- 
did robes.  Exod.  xxviii.  4. 

Q.  What  were  the  Urim  and  Thummim,  which  the 
high-priest  wore  on  solemn  occasions  ? 

A.  The  words  mean  "  lights  and  perfections,"  and 
are  probably  applied  to  the  bright  precious  stones 
in  the  high-priest's  breastplate.  Exod.  xxviii.  30. 


LESSON    XIX. 

FESTIVALS,   AND   DAY    OF    EXPIATION. 

Q.  When  was  the  Feast  of  the  Passover  observed  ? 
A.  For  a  week  commencing  with  the  fourteenth  day 
from  the  first  new  moon  in  spring.     Exod.  xii.  18. 
Q.  Why  was  it  instituted  ? 


61 

A.  To  commemorate  the  deliverance  of  the  people 
from  Egypt,  and  particularly  the  time  when  the 
Lord  slew  the  first-born  children  of  the  Egyp- 
tians, but  "  passed  over  "  the  dwellings  of  the  Is- 
raelites. Exod.  xii.  12  -  14. 

Q.  How  was  it  observed  ? 

A,  Each  family  killed  a  lamb,  and  sprinkled  some 
of  its  blood  upon  the  door-posts  of  the  house. 
The  flesh  of  the  lamb  was  then  cooked,  and  eaten 
with  unleavened  bread  and  bitter  herbs.  Ver.  3, 8. 

Q.  What  was  the  regulation  respecting  leaven  or 
yeast  ? 

A.  No  leaven  was  allowed  to  be  used  or  kept  in  the 
house  during  the  festival.  Ver.  15. 

Q.  In  what  position  were  they  to  eat  the  paschal  or 
passover  lamb  ? 

A.  Standing,  and  habited  as  for  a  journey.  Ver. 
11. 

Q.  What  interesting  custom  was  observed  among 
the  Jews  at  this  feast  ? 

A.  That  one  of  the  children  should  ask,  What 
mean  ye  by  these  things  ?  on  which  the  father  of 
the  family  gave  an  account  of  the  deliverance  of 
the  nation  from  Egypt.  Ver.  25-27. 

Q.  What  great  events  in  our  Saviour's  history  took 
place  at  the  Passover  ? 

A.  The  crucifixion  and  resurrection,  the  anniversa- 
ries of  which  are  still  observed  by  many,  under 
the  names  of  Good  Friday  and  Easter.  Matt. 


62 

xxvi.  17,  26,  4*7 ;  xxvii.  50 :  xxviii.  6  ;  Acts  xii. 
3,4. 

Q.   Why  was  the  Feast  of  Pentecost  so  called  ? 

A.  Because  Pentecost  means  "  fiftieth,"  and  it  took 
place  fifty  days  after  the  Passover.  Lev.  xxiii. 
15,  16,21. 

Q.  By  what  other  name  was  it  known,  and  why  ? 

A.  The  Feast  of  Weeks,  from  the  manner  in  which 
it  was  computed  ;  and  of  Harvest,  as  it  expressed 
their  gratitude  for  the  wheat-harvest.  Exod.  xxiv. 
22;  xxiii.  16. 

Q.  How  was  their  thankfulness  beautifully  ex- 
pressed ? 

A.  By  offering  the  first-fruits,  or  earliest  produce. 
Deut.  xxvi.  1-11. 

Q.  What  event  in  the  Christian  history  took  place 
at  this  festival  ? 

A.  The  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  the  Apos- 
tles, which  was  immediately  followed  by  the  con- 
version of  about  three  thousand  persons.  Acts 
ii.  1-4,41. 

Q.  What  were  the  time  and  purpose  of  the  Feast  of 
Tabernacles,  or  of  Ingathering  ? 

A.  It  was  held  about  the  last  of  September,  as  a 
festival  of  thanksgiving  for  the  fruits  of  the  earth, 
and  for  national  blessings  in  general.  Exod. 
xxiii.  16  ;  Lev.  xxiii.  33 ;  John  vii.  2. 

Q.   What  was  its  peculiar  observance  ? 

A.  The  people  dwelt  in  tabernacles,  booths,  or  tents 


made  of  branches  from  the  trees,  thus  commemo- 
rating their  abode  in  tents  in  the  wilderness.  Lev. 
xxiii.  40-43;  Neh.  viii.  14-18. 

Q.  What  other  ceremony,  observed  at  this  time,  is 
deserving  of  notice  ? 

A.  The  priests  in  procession  brought  water  from  the 
fountain  of  Siloam,  and  poured  it  out  at  the  foot 
of  the  altar.  Isa.  xii.  3 ;  John  vii.  37. 

Q.  On  what  occasion  was  the  Feast  of  Purim,  or  Lots, 
instituted  ? 

A.  To  commemorate  a  deliverence  from  danger  in 
the  time  of  Queen  Esther.  Esth.  iii.  7  ;  ix.  26. 

Q.  What  was  the  purpose  of  the  Feast  of  the  Dedi- 
cation ? 

A.  To  celebrate  the  restoration  of  worship  in  the 
temple,  after  the  persecution  by  Antiochus.  1 
Maccabees  *  iv.  56,  59  ;  John  x.  22. 

Q.  What  was  the  Day  of  Expiation  ? 

A.  The  national  fast,  on  the  tenth  of  the  month 
Tisri,  nearly  answering  to  our  September.  Exod. 
xxx.  10  ;  Lev.  xvi.  29,  30. 

Q.   What  was  the  most  solemn  service  of  this  day  ? 

A.  It  was  the  only  occasion  on  which  any  one  was 
permitted  to  enter  the  Holy  of  Holies.  The  high- 
priest  went  in  thither  alone  on  this  day,  and 
sprinkled  the  place  before  the  ark  and  mercy-seat 
with  the  blood  of  a  sacrifice.  Lev.  xvi.  14  - 17. 

*  One  of  the  Apocryphal  books. 


64 

Q.  What  was  the  ceremony  of  the  scape-goat,  also 
observed  on  this  day  ? 

A.  The  high-priest,  having  his  hand  on  the  head  of 
a  goat,  made  confession  of  his  own  sins,  and  those 
of  the  people  ;  after  which  the  goat  was  sent  into 
the  wilderness  and  let  loose.  Lev.  xvi.  10. 

Q.   What  was  expressed  by  this  ? 

A.  The  necessity  of  the  people  to  cleanse  or  separate 
themselves  from  their  sins. 


LESSON    XX. 

SYNAGOGUES,    THE    SABBATH,    SABBATICAL    YEAR    AND 
YEAR    OF    JUBILEE. 

Q.  What  are  Synagogues  ? 

A.  Places  for  worship  and  instruction,  but  not  for 
sacrifices.  Acts  xv.  21. 

Q.  When  were  they  probably  first  established  ? 

A.  Not  till  a  late  period  of  Jewish  history  ;  as  they 
are  first  referred  to  about  the  time  of  the  Cap- 
tivity in  Babylon.  Ps.  Ixxiv.  8. 

Q.  Describe  a  synagogue. 

A.  A  large  hall  or  building,  like  a  church,  is  fur- 
nished with  seats  around  the  sides,  and  a  platform 
or  reading-desk  near  the  centre.  At  the  farther 
end  is  an  ornamented  bookcase,  to  contain  the 
books  of  the  Law  and  the  Prophets,  which  are 


65 

written  on  rolls  of  parchment.     The  females  oc 
cupy  the  galleries. 

Q.  Who  were  the  officers  of  the  synagogue  ? 

A.  The  president,  or  chief  ruler ;  the  rulers,  who 
were  three  in  number ;  the  messenger,  or  secre- 
tary, whose  office  most  nearly  corresponded  to 
that  of  minister  among  us ;  and  the  minister,  or 
attendant.  Mark.  v.  22  ;  Luke  iv.  20. 

Q.  What  was  often  done  when  strangers  were  pres- 
ent? 

A.  They  were  invited  to  read  or  address  the  people. 
Acts  xiii.  15. 

Q.  What  were  the  customary  postures  ?          % 

A.  They  were  accustomed  to  stand  while  reading, 
and  to  sit  while  teaching.  The  postures  in  prayer 
were  various.  Luke  iv.  16,  20  ;  1  Chron.  xvii. 
16;  Dan.  vi.  10;  Luke  xviii.  11,  13. 

Q.  How  was  the  Sabbath  required  to  be  spent  ? 

A.  In  entire  rest  from  ordinary  labor.  Num.  xv.  32, 
35  ;  Mark  ii.  27,  28. 

Q.  Was  it  regarded  as  a  day  of  rejoicing,  or  of 
mourning  ? 

A.  As  a  day  of  rejoicing,  though  not  of  unlimited 
amusement.  Isa.  Iviii.  13. 

Q.  What  was  regarded  as  a  proper  "  Sabbath-day's 
journey  "  ? 

A.  Two  thousand  single  paces,  or  a  little  less  than 
a  mile.  Acts  i.  12. 

£}.  What  day  of  the  week  is  the  Jewish  Sabbath  ? 

NO.    II.  6 


66 

A.  The  last  day,  Saturday. 

Q.  Why  do  Christians  observe  Sunday,  the  first  day, 
instead  ? 

A.  On  account  of  the  resurrection  of  our  Saviour 
on  that  day.  Matt,  xxviii.  1  ;  Acts  xx.  7 ;  Rev. 
i.  10. 

Q.  What  was  the  Sabbatical  or  Sabbath  Year  ? 

A.  Moses  commanded  that  they  should  observe 
every  seventh  year  as  a  year  of  rest,  during 
which  the  land  was  not  to  be  cultivated.  Exod. 
xxiii.  10,  11. 

Q.  What  was  the  reason  of  this  regulation  ? 

A.  Lalid  is  more  productive  if  sometimes  left  fal- 
low, or  untilled  ;  and  these  periods  rserved  to 
remind  the  people  of  their  religious  duties. 

Q.  What  effect  had  the  sabbatical  year  upon  debts  ? 

A.  Debts,  at  least  those  of  the  poor  to  the  rich,  were 
at  that  time  remitted.  Deut.  xv.  1,4. 

Q.  How  long  might  a  Hebrew  be  held  in  slavery  ? 

A.  Not  longer  than  six  years  ;  or  to  the  year  of  ju- 
bilee, if  it  occurred  within  that  time  ;  unless  he 
chose,  of  his  own  accord,  to  remain.  Deut.  xv. 
12-18. 

Q.  What  was  the  Year  of  Jubilee  ? 

A.  The  fiftieth,  or  probably  what  we  should  call  the 
forty- ninth  year  ;  every  seventh  sabbatical  year. 
Lev.  xxv.  8,  9. 

Q.  What  regulations  were  made  respecting  the  ju- 
bilee  ? 


67 

A.  All  slaves,  who  were  Israelites  by  birth,  were  to 
be  restored  to  freedom ;  and  estates  which  had 
been  sold  were  to  go  back  to  their  former  own- 
ers. Lev,  xxv,  10. 

Q.  What  was  the  purpose  of  these  regulations  ?    . 

A.  To  prevent  the  extremes  of  wealth  and  poverty, 
and  discourage  the  people  from  enslaving  or  op- 
pressing each  other.  . 

Q.  Were  these  regulations  constantly  arm  faithfully 
observed  ? 

A.  They  were  not,  and  the  captivity  in  Babylon  is 
spoken  of  as  a  punishment  to  the  people  for  their 
neglect  of  these  and  other  commandments.  Lev. 
xxvi.  34,^35  ;  2  Chron  xxxvi.  20,  21. 


LESSON    XXL 

THE    LEVITICAL    LAW. 

Q.  What  was  the  great  purpose  of  the  regulations 
made  by  Moses  ? 

A.  To  keep  the  people  to  the  worship  of  the  true 
God.  Deut.  xiv.  2, 

Q.  What  was  essential  to  this  ? 

A*  That  they  should  be  kept  from  having  much  in- 
tercourse with  the  heathen  nations  near  them. 
Lev.  xx.  22  -  26. 

Q.  How  did  Moses  effect  this  ? 


68 

A.  He  endeavored  to  make  them  an  agricultural 
people  ;  and  to  discourage  commerce,  emigration, 
and  the  spirit  of  conquest. 

Q.  Flow  did  he  make  them  an  agricultural  or  farm- 
ing people  ? 

A.  By  prohibiting  them  from  selling  their  farms, 
except  for  a  limited  period  of  years.  Lev.  xxv. 
10. 

Q.  How  aid  he  discourage  commerce  and  emigra- 
tion ? 

A.  By  giving  them  rules  of  life  which  were  unlike 
those  of  other  nations,  and  would  render  it  incon- 
venient to  live  among  them. 

Q.  What  were  some  of  these  rules  ? 

A.  He  forbade  the  use  of  certain  articles  of  food, 
which  were  called  unclean.  Among  these  were 
pork  and  shell-fish.  Lev.  xi. 

Q.  What  portions  of  all  animals  were  absolutely 
forbidden  to  be  eaten  ? 

A.  The  fat  and  the  blood.  Lev.  vii.  23,  26  ;  Gen. 
ix.  4  ;  Acts  xv.  20. 

Q.  What  were  the  laws  about  personal  uncleanness  ? 

A.  Moses  declared  that  several  actions,  which  they 
could  hardly  avoid  if  they  lived  among  heathens, 
or  which  were  to  be  subjected  to  restraint  for  oth- 
er reasons,  would  render  them  unclean.  Lev.  xL 
25,  28,  31,  39  ;  xvii.  15  ;  Num.  xix.  13. 

Q.  How  were  they  to  be  purified  from  uncleanness  ? 

A.  In  some  cases  by  bathing,  in  others  by  sacrifices 


69 

or  by  peculiar  ceremonies.  Lev.  xi.  28  ;  Num. 
xix.  1  -  10,  17. 

Q.  How  did  Moses  further  discourage  emigration  ? 

A.  By  making  it  the  duty  of  all  male  persons  to  ap- 
pear at  the  Tabernacle  or  Temple  at  the  great 
festivals.  Exod.  xxiii.  17. 

Q.  How  did  he  discourage  the  spirit  of  conquest  ? 

A.  By  leaving  the  government  principally  in  the 
hands  of  the  priests  ;  and  by  forbidding  the  king, 
when  there  should  be  one,  to  "  multiply  to  him- 
self" horses,  silver,  and  gold.  Deut.  xvii.  9,  15, 
16,  17. 

Q.  What  further  purpose  was  there  in  some  of  the 
laws  of  Moses  ? 

A.  They  were  health  laws,  intended  to  secure 
against  diseases. 

Q.  Give  some  instances. 

A.  The  forbidden  kinds  of  food  were  mostly  such 
as  are  not  favorable  to  health  in  warm  climates. 
The  inculcation  of  frequent  bathing  and  the  laws 
relating  to  leprosy  present  other  examples.  Lev. 
xiii. 

Q.  What  is  leprosy  ? 

A.  It  is  a  terrible  contagious  disease,  commencing 
upon  the  skin,  but  working  inwards,  till,  after  years 
of  suffering,  it  destroys  life.  2  Kings  v.  1 ;  vii. 
3 ;  Luke  v.  12 ;  xvii.  12. 

Q.  What  was  the  leper  required  to  do  ? 

A.  To  live  apart  from  others;  to  wear  a  peculiar 


70 

mark  by  which  he  might  be  distinguished ,  and 
if  any  one  approached,  to  warn  him  off,  by  cry- 
ing, "  Unclean,  unclean."  Lev.  xiii.  45,  46  ;  2 
Kings  xv.  5. 

Q.  What  was  he  to  do  if  he  supposed  himself 
cured  ? 

A.  To  show  himself  to  the  priest,  who  was  to  de- 
cide upon  the  case ;  and  if  the  priest  considered 
him  cured,  the  recovered  person  was  to  offer  a 
sacrifice.  Lev.  xiv.  2,  10,  21 ;  Luke  xvii.  14. 

Q.  What  other  sorts  of  leprosy  are  mentioned  ? 

A.  Leprosy  in  garments  and  in  buildings.  These 
were  different  sorts  of  mould  or  corruption,  re- 
specting which  the  priests  were  to  judge.  Lev. 
xiii.  47-59;  xiv.  33-57. 

Q.  What  practices  were  forbidden,  as  being  in  use 
among  the  heathen,  or  as  unsuited  to  a  pure  and 
civilized  people  ? 

A.  Certain  modes  of  dressing  the  head  and  beard  ; 
cuttings  upon  the  flesh  ;  sowing  fields  with  seed 
of  different  kinds  mingled  ;  seething  or  boiling  a 
kid  in  its  mother's  milk.  Lev.  xix.  27, 28  ;  Exod. 
xxiii.  19. 

Q.  What  commands  were  prompted  by  a  spirit  ot 
humanity  ? 

A.  That  they  should  leave  the  corners  of  their  fields 
only  partly  reaped,  and  not  gather  the  gleanings, 
but  leave  them  for  the  poor  ;  that,  if  a  garment 
was  left  in  pledge,  they  should  return  it  before 


71 

evening  ;  and  that  they  should  not  enter  the  debt- 
or's house,  to  see  his  poverty.  Lev.  xix.  9,  10  ; 
Exod.  xxii.  26  ;  Deut.  xxiv.  10-  13. 

Q.  What  was  the  command  with  regard  to  aged 
people  ? 

A.  "  Thou  shalt  rise  up  before  the  hoary  head,  and 
honor  the  face  of  the  old  man."  Lev.  xix.  32. 

Q.  What  about  the  treatment  of  strangers  ? 

A.  "  The  stranger  that  dwelleth  with  you  shall  be 
unto  you  as  one  born  among  you,  and  thou  shalt 
love  him  as  thyself."  Lev.  xix.  34. 

Q.  What  was  the  law  with  regard  to  him  who 
cursed  his  father  or  his  mother  ? 

A.  He  was  to  be  put  to  death.     Lev.  xx.  9. 


LESSON    XXII. 

GOVERNMENT. 

Q.  What  is  the  most  ancient  form  of  government  ? 
A.  The  patriarchal,  or  that  in  which  the  father  is 

absolute  ruler  over  his  family.     Heb.  vii.  4 ;  Acts 

vii.  8. 
Q.  What  form  of  government  was  established   on 

the  deliverance  of  the  Israelites  frSrrr  Egypt  ? 
A.  A   hierarchical    or    religious    government,    God 

being  regarded  as  their  king,  and  Moses,  Joshua, 

and  others  as  receiving  authority  from  him.     1 

Sam.  xii.  12. 


72 

Q.  Who  were  the  Judges  ? 

A.  Distinguished  men,  raised  up  from  time  to  time 
by  Divine  Providence,  to  defend  and  rule  the  na- 
tion. Judg.  ii.  16. 

Q.  What  other  magistrates  existed  during  the  pe- 
riod of  the  Judges  ? 

A.  The  priests,  the  princes,  or  chief  men  of  the 
tribes,  and  the  elders  in  the  respective  cities. 
Deut.  xvi.  18  ;  xvii.  8—  12;  Num.  vii.  2. 

Q.  How  long  did  the  period  of  the  Judges  continue  ? 

A.  About  four  hundred  years,  from,  the  occupation 
of  the  country  to  the  choice  of  Saul  as  king. 
1  Kings  vi.  1. 

Q.  How  many  kings  ruled  the  whole  nation,  and  for 
what  length  of  time  ? 

A.  Three,  Saul,  David,  and  Solomon,  for  a  hun- 
dred and  twenty  years.  Acts  xiii.  21  ;  1  Chron. 
xxix.  27 ;  1  Kings  xi.  42. 

Q.  Did  the  eldest  son  succeed  his  father  as  king  ? 

A.  Usually  ;  but  David  appointed  a  younger  son,  in 
preference  to  the  eldest.  1  Kings  ii.  15. 

Q.  How  was  the  king  invested  with  his  office  ? 

A.  He  was  anointed,  crowned,  and  perhaps  girded 
with  a  sword  ;  after  which  he  received  the  homage 
of  the  chiefs  by  a  kiss.  1  Sam.  x.  1 ;  Ezek. 
xxi.  26;  Psfxlv.  3;  ii.  12. 

Q.  What  is  meant  by  "  the  testimony,"  which  is 
said  to  have  been  given  to  the  king  ? 

A.  Either  the  book  of  the  Law,  or  some  royal  orna- 
ment. 2  Kings  xi.  12. 


73 

Q.  What  did  the  people  exclaim  ? 

A.  "  Let  the  king  live,"  or  "  God  save  the  king." 
2  Kings  xi.  12. 

Q.  What  was  the  throne  ? 

A.  A  seat  of  very  costly  materials.  That  of  Solo- 
mon was  of  ivory,  overlaid  with  gold ;  it  was 
raised  upon  six  steps,  upon  which  were  twelve 
images  of  lions.  1  Kings  x.  18-20. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Cherethites  and  Pelethites  ? 

A.  The  king's  guard,  apparently  five  hundred  in 
number.  The  words  mean  executioners  and 
couriers.  2  Sam.  viii.  18 ;  1  Kings  x.  16,  17 ; 
xiv.  27,  28. 

Q.  What  was  considered  necessary  in  approaching 
a  king,  or  great  man  ? 

A.  A  gift.  Gen.  xliii.  11;  Prov.  xviii.  16;  Matt, 
ii.  11. 

Q.  What  signs  of  respect  were  usual  ? 

A.  Bows  and  prostrations.     1  Sam.  xxiv.  8. 

Q.  What  was  forbidden  to  kings  ? 

A.  Having  numerous  wives;  keeping  large  bodies 
of  horsemen ;  and  amassing  great  quantities  of 
silver  and  gold.  Deut.  xvii.  16,  17. 

Q.  What  is  the  probable  reason  why  it  was  consid- 
ered unlawful  for  the  king  to  number  the  people  ? 

A.  It  seems  to  have  been  regarded  £fe  an  invasion  of 
the  Divine  prerogative.  2  Sam.  xxiv.  10. 

Q.  What  was  the  king    commanded   to  have   by 
him? 
NO.  ii.  7 


74 

A.  A  copy  of  the  Law,  which  he  was  to  read  daily. 
Deut.  xvii.  18  -  20. 

Q.  What  were  the  sources  of  revenue  to  the  king  ? 

A.  Presents  from  those  who  approached  him  ;  taxes, 
which  were  generally  paid  in  produce ;  the  profits 
of  certain  royal  demesnes ;  the  booty  of  con- 
quered nations ;  tribute  from  those  in  subjection ; 
and,  finally,  commerce.  Prov.  xviii.  16  :  Mai.  i.  8 ; 
1  Chron.  xxvii.  26-31 ;  2  Sam.  xii.  30  ;  2  Kings 
iii.  4 ;  1  Kings  ix.  26. 

Q.  What  person  held  the  dignity  answering  most 
nearly  to  that  of  queen,  or  first  lady  in  the  king- 
dom ? 

A.  The  king's  mother.  1  Kings  xv.  2,  8,  10,  13. 
Dan.  v.  10. 

Q.  What  designation  was  given  to  a  particular  offi- 
cer, or  courtier  ? 

A.  The  king's  friend,  or  he  that  was  next  to  the 
king.  2  Sam.  xv.  37 ;  1  Kings  iv.  5 ;  2  Chron. 
xxviii.  7. 

Q.  What  seems  to  have  been  the  mark  of  the  digni- 
ty of  treasurer,  or  steward  of  the  household  ? 

A.  A  key.     Isa.  xxii.  22. 


75 

LESSON    XXIII. 

GOVERNMENT    CONTINUED,    WAR. 

Q.  What  title  was  borne  by  the  governor  under  the 
Persians  ? 

A.  That  of  Tirshatha.     Ezra  ii.  63  ;  Neh.  x.  1. 

Q.  What  title  was  borne  by  the  sons  of  Herod  the 
Great,  and  some  other  princes  ? 

A.  Tetrarch,  or  ruler  of  a  fourth  part  of  the  coun- 
try. Luke  iii.  1. 

Q.  Where  and  by  whom  were  kings  and  tetrarchs 
appointed  in  our  Saviour's  time  ? 

A.  At  Rome,  by  the  Emperor.    Luke  xix.  12. 

Q.  What  office  was  held  by  Pilate,  Festus,  and 
Felix  ? 

A.  They  were  Roman  procurators,  or  governors. 
Matt,  xxvii.  2;  Acts  xxiv.  1,  27. 

Q.  Who  was  the  chief  Jewish  magistrate  under 
their  government  ? 

A.  The  high-priest.    Matt.  xxvi.  3 
Q.  By  whom  was  he  assisted  ? 

A.  By  the  Sanhedrim,  or  great  council,  consisting 
of  about  seventy  members.  Num.  xi.  16 ;  Acts 
v.  27. 

Q.  Where  was  justice  generally  administered  in  an- 
cient times  ? 

A.  In  the  gates  of  the  cities.  Deut  xxi.  19  ;  Ruth 
iv.  11. 


76 

Q.  What  power  did  the  rulers  of  the  synagogues 

possess  ? 
A.  To  determine  causes  of  slight  importance,  and 

inflict  the  punishment  of  scourging.     Matt.  x.  17. 
Q.  Of  what  power  were  the  Jewish  courts  in  the 

time  of  our  Saviour  deprived  ? 
A.  That  of  inflicting  the  punishment  of  death.    John 

xviii.  31. 

Q.  How  is  the  stoning  of  Stephen  then  to  be  re- 
garded ? 
A.  As  a  lawless  act,  the  sudden  violence  of  a  mob. 

Acts  vii.  57. 
Q.  How  was  the  punishment  of  stoning  to  death 

inflicted  ? 
A.  The  witnesses  first,  and  afterwards  others,  having 

laid  aside  their  upper  garments,  threw  stones  upon 

the  person  accused.     Acts  vii.  58  ;  John  viii.  7. 
Q.  With  whom  was  crucifixion  in  u'se,  and  for  what 

class  of  offenders  ? 
A.  With  the  Romans,  who  punished  thus  the  vilest 

of  malefactors  and  slaves.      1  Cor.  i.  23 ;  Heb. 

xii.  2. 
Q.  What  proclamation  was  commanded  to  be  made 

on  the  assembling  of  an  army  ? 
A.  That  they  who  had  been  recently  betrothed,  or 

had   built   houses,  or   planted  vineyards,   should 

have  liberty  to  return  to  their  homes.     Deut.  xx. 

5-7. 
Q.  What  further  ? 


77 

A.  That  those  who  desired  to  return,  through  fear, 

might  do  so.     Deut.  xx.  8. 
Q.  What  were  the  usual  arms  ? 
A.  Swords,  spears,  bows  and  arrows,  and  slings,  for 

attack  ;  with  helmets,  breastplates,  and  shields  for 

defence. 
Q.  In  what  were  the  Jewish  warriors  encouraged  to 

trust  ? 
A.  In  the  protection  of  God.     Judg.  vii.  2  ;  1  Sam. 

xvii.  45. 

Q.  Who  sometimes  accompanied  the  army  ? 
A.  The  priests,  bearing  with  them  the  ark  of  the 

covenant.     1  Sam.  iv.  3,  11. 
Q.  Were  the  Hebrew  customs  of  war  cruel  ? 
A.  They  appear  so  to  us  at  the  present  day,  but 

were  probably  not  more   so  than  those  of  other 

nations  at  that  period.     Judg.  i.  7. 


LESSON  XXIV. 

DWELLINGS. 

Q.  In  what  did  men  probably  first  seek  protection 
from  the  weather,  and  from  enemies  ? 

A.  In  natural  caves,  which  may  have  been  after- 
wards enlarged  or  imitated  by  art.  Judg.  vi.  2. 

Q.  In  what  country  did  the  custom  of  dwelling  in 
caves  long  continue. 


78 

A.  In  the  country  near  the  south  of  Palestine 
called  Mount  Seir,  Edom,  or  Idumea.  Gen 
xxxvi.  8. 

Q.  Describe  the  ruins  of  Petra,  or  Sela,  in  that 
country. 

A.  They  consist  in  part  of  columns  and  hewn 
stones,  the  remains  of  large  buildings ;  but  prin- 
cipally of  an  immense  number  of  temples,  dwell- 
ings, and  tombs,  excavated  in  the  solid  rock,  on 
either  side  of  a  valley  in  the  mountains.  Some 
of  these  excavations  are  of  great  size  and  beauty, 
their  effect  being  increased  by  the  rich  and  vari- 
ous colors  of  the  rock  in  which  they  are  formed. 
Isa.  xvi.  1. 

Q.  In  what  did  the  patriarchs,  Abraham,  Isaac,  and 
Jacob,  live  ? 

A.  In  tents,  as  many  of  the  Arabs  do  at  the  pres- 
ent day.  Gen.  xii.  8 ;  xxvi.  17. 

Q.  What  tribe,  on  friendly  terms  with  the  Israelites, 
continued  this  custom,  and  lived  in  tents  among 
them  ? 

A.  The  Kenites,  or  Rechabites.  Judg.  iv.  11;  Jer. 
xxxv.  6,  7  ;  1  Chron.  ii.  55. 

Q.  What  tribe,  hostile  to  the  Israelites,  are  supposed 
to  have  led  a  similar  life  ? 

A.  The  Amalekites.     Num.  xxiv.  20  ;  xiii.  29. 

Q.  Of  what  are  the  inferior  kind  of  houses  mostly 
built  in  the  East  ? 

A.  Of  bricks  dried  in  the   sun,  the  roof  being  of 


79 

mud  laid  on  branches  of  trees ;  hence  they  are 
subject  to  be  swept  away  by  heavy  rains.  Matt, 
vii.  26. 

Q.  How  are  the  better  kind  of  houses  usually  built  ? 

A.  In  a  square  form,  around  a  court  in  the  centre. 
Esther  v.  1  ;  Luke  v.  19. 

Q.  Describe  this  court. 

A.  It  is  open  above,  or  only  covered  with  an  awn- 
ing ;  paved  with  marble  or  other  materials ;  and 
often  containing  a  fountain. 

Q.  Where  do  the  windows  mostly  open  ? 

A.  Into  these  courts. 

Q.  How  is  it  probable  that  the  paralytic  was  let 
down,  to  be  cured  by  our  Saviour  ? 

A.  Into  the  court,  the  awning  being  rolled  back, 
and  the  balustrade  around  the  opening  above  be- 
ing partly  removed.  Mark  ii.  4  ;  Luke  v.  19. 

Q.  What  is  the  entrance  to  the  court  ? 

A.  A  gateway,  where  the  master  of  the  house  re- 
ceives visits  and  transacts  business.  Matt.  xxvi. 
71. 

Q.  How  are  the  rooms  furnished  ? 

A.  With  carpets,  and  sometimes  with  a  divan,  or 
raised  platform  along  the  walls.  Amos  iii.  12. 

Q.  For  what  is  this  used  ? 

A.  For  sitting,  which  is  generally  with  the  limbs 
drawn  up  under,  and  for  sleeping  upon  at  night. 
Amos  vi.  4. 

Q.  Where  are  the  apartments  for  females  ? 


80 

A.  On  the  farther  side,  or  opposite  the  entrance  ; 
no  male  visitor  being  admitted  into  them.  Judg. 
xv.  1. 

Q.  For  what  is  the  roof  used  ? 

A.  It  is  generally  flat,  and  is  used  for  walking,  for 
retirement  and  devotion,  and  sometimes  for  sleep- 
ing. 1  Sam.  ix.  25,  26 ;  Acts  x.  9. 

Q.  What  precaution  were  the  Israelites  commanded 
to  take  on  this  account  ? 

A.  To  have  a  parapet  around  the  roof,  for  the  safety 
of  persons  walking  upon  it.  Deut.  xxii.  8. 

Q.  What  is  often  built  additional  to  an  Eastern 
house  ? 

A.  A  portion,  either  upon  the  roof,  behind  the  main 
house,  or  over  the  gateway,  consisting  of  one 
room  or  more,  which  seems  to  be  meant  by  the 
words  "  upper  room,"  and  other  terms  in  Scrip- 
ture. Mark  xiv.  15  ;  Acts  i.  13  ;  2  Kings  iv.  10. 

Q.  How  are  public  shows,  such  as  wrestling,  often 
exhibited  in  the  East  ? 

A.  In  the  open  court  in  the  centre  of  some  public 
building,  surrounded  by  cloisters,  which  are  sup- 
ported by  pillars,  while  their  roofs  are  covered 
with  spectators.  Judg.  xvi.  27. 

Q.  How  are  houses  in  the  East  warmed  in  winter  ? 

A.  The  only  means  of  warming  is  by  braziers  or 
movable  hearths,  on  which  a  fire  is  occasionally 
kindled.  Jer.  xxxvi.  22 ;  John  xviii.  18. 


81 
LESSON  XXV. 

DRESS. 

Q.  What  garment  was  commonly  worn  by  the  Jews 

of  both  sexes  ? 
A.  A  tunic  of  linen,  either  with  or  without  sleeves. 

This  was  sometimes  woven  in  one  piece.     John 

xix.  23. 

Q.  What  was  worn  over  this  ? 
A.  A  long  and  wide  robe  without  sleeves,  which  was 

folded  round  the  person.     Luke  vi.  29  ;  2  Tim. 

iv.  13. 
Q.  What  color  was   generally   most   esteemed  for 

garments  ? 
A.  White  ;  though  purple  and  variegated  garments 

were  also  prized.     Eccl.  ix.  8  ;  Gen.  xxxvii.  3. 
Q.  What  use  was  made  of  the  folding  of  this  gar- 
ment over  the  bosom  ? 
A.  To  receive  any  thing  which  was  suitable  to  be 

thus  carried.     Luke  vi.  38. 
Q.  How  is  the  girdle  used  in  the  East  ? 
A.    Principally   in    travelling.      It   is    often    richly 

wrought ;  it  is  folded  several  times  around  the 

body,  and  one  end  is  formed  into  a  purse.     Prov. 

xxxi.  24 ;  Matt.  x.  9,  in  the  Greek. 
Q.  How  were  the  feet  protected  ? 
A.  Generally  by  sandals,  which  were  merely  soles 

bound  to  the  feet  by  straps.     Mark  vi.  9 ;  Acts 

xii.  8. 


82 

Q.  What  other  coverings  to  the  feet  were  sometimes 

used  ? 
A.  Military  shoes,  or  greaves    of  metal ;   and   by 

females,   slippers   made   of  soft   leather.     Deut. 

xxxiii.  25  ;  1  Sam.  xvii.  6  ;  Ezek.  xvi.  10. 
Q.  When  was  it  customary  to  lay  aside  the  sandals  ? 
A.  On  entering  a  house,  or  any  consecrated  place. 

Exod.  iii.  5. 

Q.  By  whom  were  the  sandals  taken  off? 
A.  By  servants  for  their  master,  and  disciples  for 

their  instructor.     Matt.  iii.  11. 
Q.  What  did  both  sexes  wear  upon  their  heads  ? 
A.  Turbans  or  caps  ;  which  were   sometimes,   for 

men,  made  of  leather  or  of  metal  plates.     Exod. 

xxviii.  40  ;  xxxix.  28. 
Q.  What  other  coverings  for  the  head  were  used  by 

females  ? 

A.  Hoods  and  veils.     Isa.  iii.  23. 
Q.  What  is  the  custom  in  the  East  with  regard  to 

veils  ? 

A.  Females  generally  veil  themselves  on  the  ap- 
proach of  strangers.     Gen.  xxiv.  65. 
Q.  What  ornament  is  often  worn  by  females  in  the 

East  upon  the  hair  ? 
A.  The  sarmah,  a  thin  plate  of  gold  or  silver,  cut 

through   and   engraven    to   resemble   lace.     Isa. 

iii.  18. 
Q.  What  singular  ornament  is  in  use  among  mar 

ried  women  in  Syria  ? 


83 

A.  A  cone  or  horn  bound  upon  the  forehead,  and 
projecting  upwards  a  foot  or  more.  Ps.  Ixxxix. 
17,24. 

Q.  What  were  the  Israelites  commanded  to  wear,  in 
order  to  remind  them  of  their  religious  obligations  ? 

A.  A  fringe  or  tuft  of  blue  at  the  corners  of  their 
upper  garment,  and  a  border  on  its  edge.  Num. 
xv.  38 ;  Matt.  ix.  20 ;  xxiii.  5. 

Q.  What  were  frontlets  and  phylacteries  ? 

A.  Small  rolls  of  parchment,  containing  words  from 
the  Law ;  they  were  inclosed  in  leather  cases,  and 
bound  on  the  forehead  and  hands  at  prayer. 
Exod.  xiii.  16. 

Q.  Of  what  did  the  high-priest's  dress  consist  ? 

A.  Of  various  articles,  among  which  the  ephod,  the 
breastplate,  and  the  crown  were  most  remarkable. 

Q.  What  was  the  ephod  ? 

A.  A  richly  embroidered  tunic.  Exod.  xxviii.  6  -  12 ; 
1  Sam.  ii.  18. 

Q.  Of  what  was  the  breastplate  composed  ? 

A.  Of  twelve  precious  stones,  set  in  gold,  and  hav- 
ing inscribed  on  them  the  names  of  the  twelve 
tribes.  Exod.  xxviii.  15-30. 

Q.  What  was  the  holy  crown  ? 

A.  A  plate  of  gold,  bound  with  blue  lace,  upon  the 
front  of  the  high-priest's  turban  or  mitre,  and  hav- 
ing inscribed  on  it  the  words,  "  Holiness  to  the 
Lord."  Exod.  xxviii.  36  -  38. 


84 
LESSON    XXVI. 

HUSBANDRY,   AND   PREPARATION    OF    FOOD. 

Q.  How  did  the  Hebrews  prepare  barren  and  rocky 

ground  for  cultivation  ? 
A.  By  carrying  earth  thither,  and  forming  terraces, 

which  are  still  found  along  the  rocky  sides  of 

mountains.     Ps.  Ixxii.  16. 
Q.  To  what  is  it  necessary  for  the  husbandman  in 

hot  climates  to  pay  great  attention  ? 
A.  To  irrigation,  or  the  artificial  watering  of  the 

ground.     Is.  Iviii.  11. 
Q.  How  was  this  done  in  Egypt,  and  probably  tc 

some  extent  in  Palestine  ? 
A.  By   various    contrivances,    one    of  which,   now 

called    the  shadoof,  resembles  what  is  called  a 

well-sweep  in  our  country.     Another  was  a  sort 

of  tread-wheel.     The   water,  when   raised  *  to   a 

proper  height,  was  directed  through  the  fields  in 

channels.     Deut.  xi.  10,  11. 
Q.  What  may  be  observed  of  wells  and  fountains  in 

the  East  ? 
A.  From  the  heat  of  the  climate,  and  the  scanty 

supply  of  water,  wells  and  fountains  are  of  the 

highest  value.     Gen.  xxi.  25-31 ;  Num.  xxi.  16. 
Q.  Describe  the  plough  in  use  in  Persia  for  breaking 

up  fallow  ground. 
A.  A  large  and  cumbrous  one  with  two  wheels,  one 


85 

of  which  runs  in  the  furrow.  It  is  drawn  some- 
times by  several  yoke  of  cattle.  1  Kings  xix.  19. 

Q.  What  description  of  goad  is  used  in  the  East  ? 

A.  A  strong  staff,  sometimes  eight  feet  long,  with 
an  iron  point  at  one  end,  and  a  small  iron  shovel 
at  the  other,  to  cleanse  the  plough  from  clay. 
Judg.  iii.  31. 

Q.  How  was  it  customary  to  separate  the  grain 
from  the  husks  ? 

A.  Sometimes  it  was  trodden  by  oxen,  sometimes 
separated  by  a  strong  frame  or  block  of  wood, 
furnished  with  teeth  below,  and  drawn  over  the 
grain.  Deut  xxv.  4;  1  Cor.  ix.  9  ;  Isa.  xli.  15. 

Q.  When  were  the  seed-time  and  harvest  in  Pales- 
tine ? 

A.  Seed-time  was  principally  in  November,  and 
harvest  in  May,  the  light  winter  not  injuring  the 
seed.  Gen.  viii.  22. 

Q.  What  structures  were  usual  in  a  vineyard  ? 

A.  A  tower  for  observing  the  field,  that  thieves  and 
birds  might  be  kept  off;  and  a  pit,  in  which  the 
juice  was  pressed  from  the  grapes  by  the  feet  of 
laborers.  Isa.  Ixiii.  3  ;  Matt.  xxi.  33. 

Q.  What  peculiarities  are  there  in  the  customs  of 
Eastern  shepherds  ? 

A.  They  go  before  their  sheep,  and  call  instead  of 
driving  them,  distinguishing  each  sheep  by  a  pe- 
culiar name.  John  x.  4. 

Q.  How  was  corn  prepared  for  making  bread  ? 


86 

A.  It  was  ground  in  a  hand-mill,  generally  by  fe- 
males. Eccl.  xii.  4  ;  Matt.  xxiv.  41. 

Q.  What  were  the  usual  drinks  ? 

A.  Water,  unfermented  wine  or  grape-juice,  fer- 
mented wine,  and  drinks  made  of  dates  or  other 
fruit,  in  imitation  of  wine.  Gen.  xl.  11  ;  1  Sam. 
i.  15. 

Q.  What  description  of  bottles  was  used,  and  is  still 
in  use  in  the  East  ? 

A.  Tight  bags  made  of  skins ;  which  when  old  are 
liable  to  burst  from  the  fermentation  of  the 
liquor  within.  Ps.  cxix.  83  ;  Matt.  ix.  17. 

Q.  How  was  the  strength  of  wine  increased  ? 

A.  By  mixing  spices  with  it.     Isa.  v.  22. 

Q.  To  whom  was  the  strong  wine  sometimes  given  ? 

A.  To  persons  about  to  be  executed,  to  stupefy  them, 
and  diminish  the  sense  of  suffering.  Prov.  xxxi. 
6  ;  Matt,  xxvii.  34. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  sometimes  understood  by  vinegar  ? 

A.  A  weak  wine,  which  was  commonly  used  by  the 
poorer  classes.  Ruth  ii.  14 ;  2  Chron.  ii.  10 ; 
Matt,  xxvii.  48. 

Q.  How  is  bread  generally  prepared  in  the  East  ? 

A.  In  thin  cakes,  baked  on  a  plate  of  metal  or 
among  the  coals,  though  sometimes  in  ovens  re- 
sembling ours.  2  Sam.  xiii.  6  ;  1  Kings  xix.  6. 

Q.  How  is  honey  often  found  in  the  East  ? 

A.  In  the  woods,  flowing  from  honeycombs,  made 
by  wild  bees.  Deut.  xxxii.  13  ;  1  Sam.  xiv.  25. 


87 

Q.  What  vegetable  production  resembles  it  ? 

A.  The  "  Beyrouk  honey,"  a  juice  dropping  from 
the  leaves  and  twigs  of  a  tree  called  gharrab. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  understood  by  butter,  when  men- 
tioned in  the  Scriptures  ? 

A.  Cream,  curdled  milk,  or  liquid  butter,  the  cli- 
mate being  too  warm  for  such  butter  as  is  com- 
mon among  us.  Job  xxix.  6. 

Q.  How  is  such  butter  sometimes  used  by  the 
Arabs  ? 

A.  Mixed  with  honey.  Isa.  vii.  15,  22;  2  Sam. 
xvii.  29. 


LESSON    XXVII. 

TRAVELLING,  SALUTATIONS,  BANQUETS,  DANCING. 

Q.  What  were  the  usual  modes  of  travelling  in  the 

Holy  Land  ? 
A.  On  foot,    on   asses,   and   on   camels.     Chariots 

were  occasionally  used.     Gen.  xxii.  3  ;  xxiv.  64  ; 

Isa.  Ixvi.  20. 

Q.  How  was  travelling  performed  in  the  desert  ? 
A.  As  it  is  still,  in  caravans  or  large  companies. 

Gen.  xxxvii.  25  ;  Job.  vi.  19. 
Q.  Describe  an  Eastern  inn,  or  caravansary. 
A.  It  is  a  building  with  a  court  in  the  centre,  into 

which  the  rooms  open.     The  lower  story  is  gen- 


88 

erally  used  for  storing  goods,  or  for  cattle,  while 
the  upper  rooms  are  for  travellers.  Luke  ii.  7. 

Q.  How  are  these  inns  furnished  ? 

A.  In  general,  a  shelter  only  is  provided,  travellers 
bringing  with  them  their  beds,  provisions,  and 
whatever  else  they  need.  Gen.  xlii.  27. 

Q.  By  whom  are  they  taken  care  of? 

A.  Some,  having  been  erected  by  public  or  private 
liberality,  are  left  for  any  who  may  pass,  to  enter ; 
in  others,  persons  reside  who  have  the  charge  of 
them.  Luke  x.  34,  35. 

Q.  What  is  the  first  salutation  at  meeting  ? 

A.  "  Peace  be  with  you."  1  Sam.  xxv.  6  ;  John 
xiv.  27. 

Q.  What  is  said  of  Eastern  salutations  ? 

A.  They  often  embrace  many  formalities  and  take 
up  much  time.  Luke  x.  4  ;  2  Kings  iv.  29. 

Q.   What  is  usual  on  the  part  of  visitors  in  the  East  ? 

A.  They  bring  presents  to  the  person  they  visit. 
Matt.  ii.  11. 

Q.  What  is  usual  in  return  ? 

A.  Dresses  of  honor  are  often  given  to  the  guests 
by  him  who  entertains  them.  Not  to  accept  such 
a  dress  would  probably  give  great  offence.  Matt, 
xxii.  10,  11. 

Q.  What  attention  was  generally  paid  to  guests  at 
their  first  arrival  ? 

A.  As  their  feet  were  only  protected  by  sandals,  wa- 
ter was  brought  to  wash  them.  Luke  vii.  44. 


89 

Q.  By  whom  was  this  washing  generally  done  ? 
A.  By  a  servant.     John  xiii.  8,  14  ;  Luke  xxii.  27. 
Q.  What  was   a    compliment    frequently   paid   to 

guests  ? 
A.  Anointing   the    head   and    feet  with   perfumes. 

Luke  vii.  46 ;  Matt.  xxvi.  7  ;  John  xii.  3. 
Q.  How  were  the  company  arranged  at  meals,  in 

our  Saviour's  time  ? 
A.  According  to  the  Roman  custom,  reclining  on 

wide  couches  around  the  table,  so  that  the  head  of 

each  was  near  the  breast  of  the  person  next  him. 

John  xiii.  23. 

Q.  How  were  the  feet  then  disposed  ? 
A.  On  the  couch,  farthest  from  the  table,  so  as  to 

be  near  any  person   approaching   from    behind. 

Luke  vii.  38. 

Q.  How  was  order  secured  at  entertainments  ? 
A.  By  the  appointment  of  one  of  the  company  as 

governor  of  the  feast,  unless  the  master  of  the 

house  presided.     John  ii.  8. 
Q.  What  was  common  in  partaking  of  bread  ? 
A.  For  each  to  dip  his  piece  of  bread  into  a  vessel 

containing  sauce,  which  was  in  the  middle  of  the 

table.     Ruth  ii.  14. 
Q.  What  was  sometimes  done  as  a  mark  of  respect, 

or  friendship  ? 

A.  Passing  the  piece  of  bread  thus  dipped  to  an- 
other.    John  xiii.  26. 
Q.  How  was  dancing  introduced  at  feasts  ? 

NO.   II.  8 


90 

A.  Female  performers  danced  for  the  gratification 
of  the  company.  Matt.  xiv.  6. 

Q.  How  was  dancing  otherwise  practised  ? 

A.  By  each  sex  among  themselves,  on  occasions  of 
festivity  and  rejoicing,  whether  of  a  private,  na- 
tional, or  even  religious  character.  Exod.  xv.  20  , 
Luke  xv.  25. 

Q.  By  what  were  these  dances  accompanied  ? 

A.  By  singing,  and  the  beating  of  tambourines  01 
timbrels  by  the  dancers  themselves,  and  by  stringed 
instruments.  Exod.  xv.  20 ;  Jer.  xxxi.  4  ;  2  Sam. 
vi.  5. 


LESSON    XXVIII. 

MUSIC,    MARRIAGES,    FUNERALS. 

Q.  What  were  the  principal  stringed  instruments 
among  the  Jews  ? 

A.  The  nebel,  harp  or  psaltery,  of  triangular  form, 
with  ten  or  more  strings  ;  and  the  kinnor,  harp  or 
lyre,  with  six  or  nine.  1  Sam.  xvi.  23 ;  Dan.  iii. 
5,7. 

Q.  What  were  the  principal  wind  instruments  ? 

A.  The  organ,  or  Pandean  pipes,  an  instrument  of 
several  pipes,  blown  with  the  mouth  ;  and  various 
kinds  of  trumpets,  and  fifes  or  flutes  ;  one  of  which 
was  the  dulcimer  or  symphony.  Gen.  iv.  21 ;  Job 
xxi.  12  ;  Dan.  iii.  5,  7. 


91 

Q.  What  other  instruments  were  there  ? 

A.  Drums,  timbrels  or  tambourines,  triangles,  and 

cymbals.     The  last  were  probably  the  same  with 

the  sistrum  used  in  Egypt,  an  instrument  of  an 

oval  figure,  crossed  by  brass  wires,  which  jingled 

on  being  shaken,  and  perhaps  had  rings  or  bells 

attached  to  them.    Exod.  xv.  20 ;  1  Sam.  xviii.  6  ; 

Ps.  cl.  5, 

Q.  What  was  the  usual  time  for  wedding  festivities  ? 
A.  Seven  days ;   or   three,  if  the  bride   had  been 

married  before.     Gen.  xxix.  27 ;  Judg.  xiv.  15. 
Q.  What  ceremony  took  place  on  the  evening  of  the 

last  day  ? 
A.  The   bride  was  conducted  to  the  house  of  the 

bridegroom   by  her   friends   in  procession,   with 

torches  and  music.     Matt.  xxv.  1. 
Q.  What  other  procession  wras  there  ? 
A.  Of  the  bridegroom  and  his  friends,  to  meet  and 

receive  them.     Matt  xxv.  6. 
Q.  What  names  are   given  to  the  groomsman  or 

groomsmen  in  Scripture  ? 
A.  "  Friend  of  the   bridegroom,"  and  "  children  of 

the  bride-chamber."     John  iii.  29  ;  Matt.  ix.  15. 
Q.  By  whom  wras  the  dowry  usually  given  ? 
A.  By  the  bridegroom  or  his  father,  to  the  bride  and 

her  relations.     Gen,  xxxiv.  12. 
Q.  When  was  the  nuptial  song,  or  epithalamium, 

sung  ? 
A.  The  evening  before  the  wedding,  by  the  friends 

of  the  bride,  at  her  door.     Ps.  xlv. 


92 

Q.  What  was  considered  proper  at  marriages  and 

other  festal  occasions,  in  the  entertainment  of  the 

guests  ? 

A.  That  those  of  each  sex  should  meet  by  them- 
selves, at  different  tables,  and  in  different  rooms. 

This,  however,  was  not  always  the  case.     Esth. 

i.  3,  9  ;  John  ii.  3. 
Q.  What  was  one  of  the  diversions  practised  on  these 

occasions  ? 
A.  The  proposing  and  solving   of  riddles.      Judg. 

xiv.  12. 
Q.  How  were  the  corpses  of  the  dead  disposed  of 

among  the  Jews  ? 
A.  By  burial.     Gen.  xxiii.  4. 
Q.  How  among  other  ancient  nations  ? 
A.  Among  the  Egyptians,  by  embalming  previous 

to  burial ;  and  among  the  Greeks  and  Romans 

by  burning.     Gen.  1.  2,26. 
Q.  Are  there  any  instances  recorded  in  the  Bible, 

in  which  bodies  were  burnt  ? 
A.  That    of    Saul,   and    apparently   that    of  Asa. 

1  Sam.  xxxi.  12 ;  2  Chron.  xvi.  14. 
Q.  How  were  the  dead  prepared  for  burial  among 

the  Israelites  ? 
A.  By  being  wrapped  about  with  quantities  of  spices, 

and  folds  of  cloth ;  and   generally  placed  in  an 

open  coffin.     John  xix.  39,  40 ;  Luke  vii.  14. 
Q.  Where  were  the  burial-places  ? 
A.  In  caves,  natural  or  artificial,  or  in  sepulchres 


93 

built  for  the  purpose  ;  each  family  generally  hav- 
ing its  own  private  place  of  burial.  Gen.  xxiii. 
17  ;  John  xi.  38. 

Q.  What  was  the  Hebrew  manner  of  mourning  ? 

A.  They  encouraged,  instead  of  restraining,  the  out- 
ward marks  of  grief;  weeping,  tearing  their  gar- 
ments, putting  on  sackcloth,  and  defiling  them- 
selves with  ashes.  2  Sam.  in.  31  -  34  ;  Jer.  vi.  26. 

Q.  What  was  done  to  increase  the  mournfulness  of 
the  scene  ? 

A.  Women  were  hired  to  utter  lamentations,  and 
persons  to  play  mournful  tunes  on  musical  instru- 
ments. Jer.  ix.  17  ;  Matt.  ix.  23. 

Q.  What  was  expected  of  persons  who  met  a  fu- 
neral procession  ? 

A.  That  they  should  join  it,  and  thus  express  their 
sympathy.  Rom.  xii.  15. 

Q.  How  long  was  the  customary  time  of  mourning  ? 

A.  Seven  days ;  but  in  some  remarkable  instances 
it  was  prolonged  to  thirty.  1  Sam.  xxxL  13 ; 
Num.  xx.  29. 


LESSON    XXIX. 

PROPHETS,    SECTS,    LITERATURE,   ARTS. 

Q.  Who  were  the  prophets  ? 

A.  Holy  men  raised  up  by  God  to  exhort  the  people 


94 

to  righteousness.     2  Kings  xvii.  13  ;  Acts  xv.  32 ; 
1  Cor.  xiv.  22. 

Q.  What  supernatural  knowledge  was  imparted  to 
some  of  them  ? 

A.  That  of  future  events.    Luke  i.  70 ;  Acts  iii.  24. 
Q.  How  do  they  appear  to  have  been  clothed  ? 

A.  In  simple  and  coarse  raiment.  Zech.  xiii.  4; 
Matt.  iii.  4. 

Q.  Were  there  other  prophets  or  religious  teachers 
besides  those  whose  writings  we  possess  ? 

A.  Yes;  we  hear  of  them  sometimes  as  numerous, 
and  dwelling  in  schools  or  associations  with  their 
disciples  ;  and  also,  in  some  instances,  of  prophet- 
esses.* 1  Sam.  x.  5 ;  1  Kings  xviii.  4 ;  2  Kings 
ii.  3  ;  xxii.  14. 

Q.  What  names  were  given  to  those  who  were  dis- 
tinguished for  learning,  or  teachers  of  the  law  ? 

A.  The  title  of  Rabbi,  or  Master,  and  the  names  of 
scribes,  lawyers,  and  doctors  of  the  law.  Matt. 
xxiii.  7,  8  ;  vii.  29 ;  xxii.  35. 

Q.  In  what  did  their  learning,  in  our  Saviour's  time, 
chiefly  consist  ? 

A.  In  a  knowledge  of  the  law  of  Moses,  and  of  the 
explanations  of  it  which  had  been  handed  down 
from  past  generations,  and  which  therefore  bore 
the  name  of  traditions.  Matt.  xv.  2,  3. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Pharisees  ? 

A.  A  sect  who  wore  the  appearance  of  sanctity,  but 
many  of  whom  were  very  hypocritical.  They  be- 


95 

lieved  in  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  in  angels 
and  spirits ;  they  believed  also  that  all  actions  were 
foreordained  by  God ;  and  they  paid  great  respect 
to  the  traditions.  Matt,  xxiii.  13;  Acts  xxiii.  6. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Sadducees? 

A.  A  sect  who  did  not  believe  in  a  resurrection,  nor 
in  predestination.  Acts  xxiii.  8. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Herodians  ? 

A.  Partisans  of  the  Herod  family.     Matt.  xxii.  16. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Zealots  ?* 

A.  Persons  who  were  eager  to  take  up  arms  for  the 
independence  of  the  nation.  Luke  vi.  15 ;  Acts 
i.  13 ;  Matt.  x.  4. 

Q.  Who  were  the  Essenes  ? 

A.  A  sect,  not  mentioned  in  Scripture,  who  lived  in 
communities  of  their  own,  and  subjected  them- 
selves to  many  hardships,  in  the  belief  that  the 
mortification  of  the  body  tends  to  the  elevation  of 
the  soul. 

Q.  How  were  books  prepared  in  ancient  times  ? 

A.  By  writing  with  a  pen,  generally  of  reed.  Isa. 
viii.  1. 

Q.  What  materials  were  used  for  writing  upon  ? 

A.  Parchment,  or  skins ;  tablets  of  metal,  or  of 
wood  covered  with  wax ;  and  paper  made  from 
the  papyrus  reed.  Luke  i.  63 ;  2  Tim.  iv.  13 ; 
2  John  12. 

Q.  How  did  writers  generally  carry  their  ink  ? 

A.  In  a  horn,  suspended  at  the  girdle.     Ezek.  ix.  2. 

Q.  In  what  form  were  books  made  ? 


96 

A.  In  that  of  a  roll,  attached  at  each  end  to  a  wood 
en  roller.     Jer.  xxxvi.  2 ;  Rev.  v.  1. 

Q.  How  is  the  Hebrew  language  written  ? 

A.  From  right  to  left. 

Q.  In  what  did  ancient  Hebrew  literature  consist  ? 

A.  In  the  writings  of  the  Old  Testament,  and  some 
other  books,  which  have  long  been  lost.  Num. 
xxi.  14 ;  Josh.  x.  13 ;  2  Chron.  ix.  29  ;  xii.  15 ; 
xx.  34. 

Q.  In  what  did  the  poefry  of  the  Hebrews  consist  ? 

A.  In  elevated  sentiments,  expressed  without  rhyme 
or  any  regular  measure,  as  far  as  can  now  be 
traced,  but  marked  by  a  peculiar  feature  called 
parallelism. 

Q.  What  is  this  ? 

A.  Each  verse  generally  consists  of  two  clauses, 
the  latter  either  repeating  the  sentiment  of  the 
former,  or  being  in  contrast  with  it.  In  some 
cases,  these  parts  were  sung  alternately  by  differ- 
ent choirs.  Ps.  xx.  1  -  3  ;  1  Sam.  xviii.  7. 

Q.  What  arts  appear  to  have  been  known  to  the  He- 
brews ? 

A.  Working  in  wood,  stone,  and  metals,  engraving, 
weaving,  ornamental  needle-work,  and  others. 
Exod.  xxxvi. -xxxix. ;  1  Kings  vii. ;  Jer.  xviii.  2. 

Q.  Were  they  familiar  with  the  arts  of  painting  and 
sculpture  ? 

A.  There  are  few  traces  of  them  in  the  Bible, 
though  more  of  sculpture  than  of  painting.  1 
Kings  x.  20 ;  Isa.  xl.  19,  20. 


97 
LESSON    XXX. 

LATER   HISTORY   AND    CONDITION    OF    PALESTINE. 

Q.  What  occurred  about  thirty-four  years  after  the 

ascension  of  our  Saviour  ? 
A.  The  Jews  rebelled  against  the  Roman  Emperor, 

and,  after  continuing  the  war  for  five  years,  were 

subdued  with  terrible   slaughter.     Matt.  xxiv.  7, 

15,21. 
Q.  What  was  done  to  the  city  of  Jerusalem  and  to 

the  Temple  ? 
A.  They  were  destroyed  to  the  foundations.     Matt. 

xxiv.  2. 

Q.  What  became  of  the  people  who  survived  ? 
A.  Many  fled  into  other  lands,  and  many  were  sold 

into  slavery,  so  that  they  became  scattered  among 

the  nations.     Deut.  xxviii.  64. 
Q.  What  event    of    great    importance    took   place 

about  the  year  of  our  Lord  312  ? 
A.  Constantine,    the    Roman    Emperor,   embraced 

Christianity  ;  and  heathenism  soon  lost  all  power 

in  the  empire.     Matt.  xxiv.  30. 
Q.  What  was  done  by  the    Empress  Helena,   the 

mother  of  Constantine  ? 
A.  She    made    efforts   to   discover  the   true  places 

where  the  great  events  of  our  Saviour's  history 

had  occurred ;  and  built  many  churches  upon  the 

spots  indicated. 

NO.    II.  9 


Q.  What  event  occurred  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
630? 

A.  Palestine  was  conquered  from  the  Christians  by 
the  followers  of  Mohammed,  in  the  eighth  year 
from  the  commencement  of  their  empire. 

Q.  What  took  place  in  A.  D.  1096,  owing  to  some 
oppressions  practised  upon  Christian  pilgrims  by 
the  Mohammedans  or  Saracens  ? 

A.  The  First  Crusade,  or  Holy  War,  undertaken 
by  the  nations  of  Western  Europe  to  reconquer  the 
sepulchre  of  Christ.  Luke  ix.  55,  56. 

Q.  What  was  its  result  ? 

A.  Jerusalem  was  taken,  and  a  Christian  kingdom 
established  in  Palestine,  which  existed  for  eighty 
years,  till  it  was  overthrown  by  the  Sultan  Sa- 
ladin.  John  xviii.  36. 

Q.  What  ensued  ? 

A.  A  great  number  of  crusades,  or  expeditions  of 
the  Christian  nations,  with  but  slight  and  transient 
success. 

Q.  What  is  the  present  condition  of  the  Holy  Land  ? 

A.  It  belongs  to  the  Turkish  empire.  It  is  but 
scantily  peopled,  and  agriculture  and  the  arts  are 
much  neglected  ;  but  as  the  Turkish  power  is  be- 
coming more  enlightened,  improvements  may  be 
expected  to  take  place. 

Q.  What  Christian  establishments  are  found  in  the 
Holy  Land  ? 

A.  Many  churches,  convents,  and  monasteries  be- 


99 

longing  to  Christians,  chiefly  of  the  Greek,  Ar- 
•  menian,  and  Roman  Catholic  denominations. 

Q.  By  whom  is  the  Holy  Land  much  visited  ? 

A.  By  Christians  from  all  parts  of  the  world.  John 
iv.  21,  23. 

Q.  What  is  to  be  observed  respecting  the  places 
shown  in  Palestine  as  the  scenes  of  events  re- 
corded in  the  Bible  ? 

A.  Natural  features  of  the  country,  such  as  hills  and 
valleys,  are  probably  in  general  correctly  desig- 
nated ;  but  little  dependence  can  be  placed  on  the 
tales  told  of  more  particular  localities. 

Q.  Describe  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Sepulchre. 

A.  It  is  a  very  large  building,  inclosing  a  smaller 
one,  built  over  the  supposed  tomb  of  our  Lord, 
and  inclosing  also  what  is  said  to  have  been  the 
place  of  the  crucifixion.  Matt,  xxviii.  6;  Luke 
xxiv.  5,  6. 

Q.  What  building  occupies  the  former  site  of  Solo- 
mon's Temple  ? 

A.  A  Mohammedan  mosque,  that  of  Omar,  into 
which  no  Christian  or  Jew  is  permitted  to  enter. 

Q.  What  name  is  given  to  a  certain  spot  near  the 
eastern  wall  of  the  inclosure  surrounding  this 
mosque  ? 

A.  "  The  Jews'  place  of  weeping,"  as  the  Jews  are 
allowed  to  go  thither,  and  look  upon  the  spot 
where  their  Temple  formerly  stood.  Isa.  Ixiv.  11. 

Q.  What  has  been  the  condition  of  the  Jews  since 
the  time  of  their  dispersion  ? 


100 

A.  They  have  been  scattered  through  various  na- 
tions, often  cruelly  persecuted,  but  still  sustained 
in  their  separate  existence  by  a  mysterious  Prov- 
idence, still  carefully  observing  the  law  of  Moses, 
but  refusing  to  receive  Christianity.  Rom.  xi.  25  ; 
Psalm  Ixxx.  14. 

Q.  At  what  number  are  the  Jews  now  estimated, 
and  where  are  they  chiefly  found  ? 

A.  Between  four  and  five  millions,  chiefly  in  Turkey, 
the  Barbary  States,  Russia,  Poland,  Hungary,  and 
Germany  ;  while  some  are  found  in  France,  Eng- 
land, and  the  United  States. 

Q.  To  what  do  they  look  forward  ? 

A.  To  the  appearance  of  the  Messiah,  and  their 
own  restoration  to  the  Holy  Land.  Deut.  xxx. 
1-3. 

Q.  What  seems  to  be  foretold  respecting  them  in 
the  Scriptures  ? 

A.  That,  when  other  nations  generally  shall  have 
been  converted  to  Christianity,  the  Jews  also  will 
embrace  that  religion,  and  thus  give  to  it  its  most 
splendid  and  crowning  triumph.  Rom.  xi.  11,  12, 
25,  26. 


THE   END. 


THIS  BOOK  is  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 

AN  INITIAL  FINE  OF  25  CENTS 


™        ,™  -  TO  RETURN 

THIS   BOOK   ON   THE   DATE  DUE.    THE   PENALTY 

™ 


OVRDUE. 


SEVENTH     "AY 


NOV 


9 


'o  I  n 


Hr^ — — 


LOAN 


YA  0337! 


M25009Q        x0 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


MEW  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  MANUALS. 

PUBLISHED   BT 

CROSBY,    NICHOLS    &    CO., 

Ill   WASHINGTON   STREET,  BOSTON. 


A  COURSE  OF  CHRISTIAN  INSTRUCTION, 

For   Sunday  Schools   and  Families, 

compri&cd  in  a  Series  of  Ei;rht  Manuals,  under  the  following  titles  :  — 

I.  EARLY  RELIGIOUS 

II.  PALESTINE  AND  THE  HEBREW  PEOPLE.    With  Two 
Maps. 

III.  LESSONS  ON  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 

IV.  THE  LIFE  OF  CHRIST. 

V.  THE  BOOKS  AND  CHARACTERS  OF  THE  NEW  TESTA- 

VI.  RELIGIOUS  DUTIES  AND  CHRISTIAN 

VII.  DOCTRINES  OF  SCRIPTURE. 
VIII.  ^  uoM  CHRISTIAN  HISTORY. 


The  names  of  the  authors,  Arranged  alphabetically,  and  not 
according  to  the  order  of  the  books  in  the  course,  are  as  fol- 
lows :  — 


Rev.  GEORGE  W.  Bui- 

"     8'. 

"    KUFI  - 

"    EDWARD  E.  HALE, 


Rev.  F.  D.  HUNTINGTON, 
"    JOHN  H.  MORISON, 
"    EPHRAIM  PEABODY. 


SABBATH   SCHOOL,    DEPOSITORY, 

No.   1 11  Washington   Street. 

Crosby,   Nichols,  &  Co. 

Publish  and  have  for  sale  a  great  variety  of 
Books    for    Sunday   School  and  Parish.  Libraries, 

to  which  they  invite  the  attention  uf  those  purchasing. 

C.,  N.,  &  Co.  also  publish  a  great  variety  of  Manuals  for  Sabbath  Schools, 
including  Service  Books,  Singing  Books,  Questions  on  the  Old  Testament^ 
Gospels,  and  Acts,  and  Catectiism»  for  pupils  of  ail  ages. 


Books  will  always  be  sent,  with  liberty  to  return  those  not  wanted. 


